Too Much
What's it like being a sports fan in Boston these days? The Red Sox just won the World Series again, the Cheaters Patriots are the NFL's only unbeaten team, the new-look Celtics, now with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, are 3-0, even Boston College is a Top 10 college football team.
(gratuitous cheerleader photo)
But let me take you back to 1980, perhaps the best overall sports year a city has ever had. How about the World Series, Superbowl, Stanley Cup and NBA Finals all in one year?
The Philadelphia 76ers were the Eastern Conference champions but lost to the Magic Johnson-led Los Angeles Lakers team, 4 games to 2.
The Philadelphia Eagles also made it to the Big Game, losing the Superbowl to the Oakland Raiders 27-10.
The Philadelphia Flyers lost the Stanley Cup Finals to the New York Islanders, 4 games to 2.
And, yes, the Philadelphia Phillies made it to the World Series too. They won it, over the Kansas City Royals, 4 games to 2.
If you're not a sports fan maybe you read that and think, "What a bunch of loser teams!" but as a guy who lives in a city with an all-time history of only 3 NBA Finals appearances (one win), 1 Superbowl appearance (and loss), zero World Series games ever and no NHL team at all, hitting all four major sports championships in one year is nothing short of incredible.
Yes Please!
The Phillies had played in the World Series, before. Don't forget the Whiz Kids. But, 1980 was their first WS championship.
Posted by: Flashman | November 08, 2007 at 06:22 AM
Ok, this has nothing to do with your topic at hand, but I was curious if you were going to bring back "Tater Tot" Fridays? They were my favorite.
I'm just sayin'
PS I'm glad you've decided to blog again, you are a gifted writer...
Thanks Bean
c
Posted by: Cathy | November 08, 2007 at 06:47 AM
Philadelphia is the worst city in this country. Most of its denizens are chain-smoking Mustang drivers who think they are funny or nappy headed hos. The cheese steak sandwich is nothing but a tribute the women of Philadelphia's vajayjay-messy cheesy meat filled slop.
Seattle isn't the sporting capital of the USA, but seriously.
Luke Ridnour?
No wonder Seattle is to sports what intelligence is to a Raiders fan.
Posted by: ARSENAL MF'ers! | November 08, 2007 at 07:03 AM
have you seen those laker cheerleaders.....mmmmmm very nice indeed. my personal experience is that there are no cute girls in beantown. sometimes around last call........
Posted by: bigdaddy | November 08, 2007 at 07:23 AM
I like the NY Post's response to the Patriots "spy-gate". There is an asterisk next to the Patriots name, and a note "caught cheating".
Posted by: Diane | November 08, 2007 at 07:26 AM
And now Philly is winners in 2 catagories: fattest and ugliest city. Sad isn't it? Good work Bizean(Bean).
Posted by: Robert | November 08, 2007 at 08:43 AM
In 1917 the Seattle Metropolitans won the Stanley Cup. Tens of people showed up for the parade.
Posted by: bruin | November 08, 2007 at 08:48 AM
Bean, I'm from Philly and grew up during the 80's...you just made me cry remembering just how bad our Teams are, constantly!
It's times like those that make a philadelphian happy to have The Philadelphia Wings (Lacrosse)
Posted by: Skyy | November 08, 2007 at 09:40 AM
(gratuitous cheerleader photo)
Thank you.
Posted by: Vic Rattler | November 08, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Come on, you've got the Seattle Thunderbirds who are not completely in the last place in their division (they're next to the last).
Posted by: EditThis | November 08, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Gene - much props to you for being able to retain so many details - names, dates, etc. And they say true sports fan don't pay attention. Yes, we do.
I was so disappointed when the Colts lost on Sunday - and so did my SD Chargers! Its okay - Tom Brady might have led the NE Patriots to victory, but Payton Manning is an athletic genius and the
Indianapolis team will rise again.
Posted by: Christina | November 08, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Liking the green panties on the cheerleaders.
Posted by: steven | November 08, 2007 at 12:40 PM
So the Pats are cheating? They are just the only ones who've been caught so far. You can't seriously think they are the only ones trying to gain an advantage? Don't kid yourself. Celtics? Meh - let's see what happens with the playoffs come around. Boston College - top team in the nation? - pah-leeze!!
Posted by: Adam | November 08, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Let us focus more on the cheerleaders. Hot
cheerleaders in any team color is still HOT.
Can I get an amen!
Posted by: Geo | November 08, 2007 at 04:17 PM
You know...I think that's the only blog that I couldn't get all the way through on the first try. Say a sports statistic and I'm lost.
Tiffiny
Posted by: Tiffiny Whitney | November 09, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Never mind all that... Is that blonde girl on the right flipping the bird??
Posted by: Brooks | November 16, 2007 at 09:22 AM