Long known as some of the toughest fans in America, Philadelphia's vocal sport supporters are hopeful of snapping a quarter-century title drought in the next two weeks.
The Philadelphia Phillies advanced to Major League Baseball's World Series by eliminating the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, touching off celebrations in the long-suffering "City of Brotherly Love".
Hundreds of Phillies fans stayed at Dodger Stadium long into the night to celebrate the team reaching the World Series for the first time since 1993, when Toronto won in six games in the best-of-seven series.
"This is awesome," tearful Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer said. "The support we've had - you just can't thank people enough. We're celebrating this with them, and to me that's the most important thing.
"Even though we're not in Philly, I'm thinking about the fans in Philly having a good time, and that's what it's all about."
The Phillies, founded in 1883, won their only World Series crown in 1980 in what has been a legacy of recent struggles by Philadelphia's major sport's teams.
Basketball's Philadelphia 76ers were champions back in 1983. Ice hockey's Philadelphia Flyers last tasted champagne from the Stanley Cup in 1973 and American football's Eagles last won the crown in 1960, before the championship game was dubbed the Super Bowl.
"To see what's happened and where we've come and the changes and to be where we are at, it's a hell of a feeling," Phillies' standout Pat Burrell said. "There is no other way to say it."
The Phillies will host World Series games October 25, 26 and 27, the last only if necessary. Expect intense screaming from fans who have notably booed their own players, Santa Claus and even rival national anthems when annoyed.
"It will be absolutely madness from a Philadelphia standpoint," said pitcher Cole Hamels. "The excitement, the energy level, it'll be something.
"Philly has missed this. I'm so happy to be a part of this. To get back to the World Series, they deserve it."
Copyright 2008  AFP Global Edition
