Before the Phillies’ unsuccessful 2022 World Series run, the last time they had been in the World Series was in 2009. After over 118 seasons as a team, the Phillies have only been in the playoffs 15 times. The Phillies even have the most ever losses in the MLB, coming in at 11,112 over their history. Therefore, in the run-up to their eventual loss in the World Series, there was enormous hype surrounding the Phillies even being in the world series in the first place. Videos trended all over TikTok of people celebrating by climbing up greased street poles, and actor Miles Teller played the part of the Phillies’ number one fan.
Local Pennsylvanians in the Bi-Co were especially pumped about the Phillies in the world series. Born and raised Pennsylvanian resident and professor Jess Shollenberger said that “the Phillies are one of the losingest teams in all of sports. And so as the perennial underdog it’s great to see them reach the world series. This feels like a team of destiny.” What excited Shollenberger most about the Phillies in the world series was that “I get to turn up to a sold-out park with my brother and see history being made. Potentially.”
Jane Farrell has lived in Lancaster PA for her entire life and was especially excited about the Phillies being in the world series because “we haven’t had a win in a while. I would really like to go to the parade.” Farrell was very parade motivated and even said “I’m definitely going to the parade if they win. You will not see me in class. I will be on the streets.”
Mia Harvey, the Student Engagement Coordinator, moved to Pennsylvania six years ago. When Harvey first learned that the Phillies were in the World Series she was “very passive about it,” but now Harvey says, “I think it’s really exciting because I’ve never lived in an area where people are so passionate about sports… Now that I’m watching it more I’m trying to be more involved in the community. I think it’s really cool actually.” Harvey was most excited by the “energy [and] the community,” saying, “I didn’t really pay attention to sports other than band, but I think it’s really cool to see a whole community come together wearing the colors, cheering, and climbing poles that they now have to oil to prevent…that doesn’t stop anyone.”
Unfortunately, however, the Phillies did not win, they lost 4-2 to the Houston Astros on November 5th. Shollenberger said that “a loss is expected, but a win would feel like karmic redemption.”
