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I don’t remember much about the 1980 World Series.
I know the Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals and Tug McGraw recorded the final out. Being 8 at the time, staying up late to watch the game was not an option since it was a school night. I remember my neighborhood being upbeat about the Phillies winning their first-ever world championship, but cutting school for the parade wasn’t happening.
I didn’t think it would take 28 years to experience my first World Series celebration. The grand culmination of the Oct. 31 parade took place at Citizens Bank Park, where the convertible-riding players did a victory lap. There was even an Elvis sighting — in this case the dog of outfielder Pat Burrell, who helped lead the parade. Several team executives and players shared words of thanks with their faithful fans, who supported them through good times and bad. The mild-mannered Chase Utley caught everybody off guard with his stunning "world ‘bleeping’ champions" speech.
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There is the feel-good story of left-handed pitcher Jamie Moyer, who turns 46 Nov. 18. Back in ’80, the Sellersville resident was one of the fans enjoying the Phillies victory celebration. Six years later, he was playing for the Chicago Cubs. During his tour of duty, including stops in Texas, St. Louis, Baltimore, Boston and Seattle, the World Series never entered the picture. Finally, nearly three decades later, Moyer fulfilled his childhood dream, with his hometown team no less.
"This parade dwarfs that ’80 parade and it’s exciting," Moyer said after the celebration. "Obviously, I am seeing it from a different side. JFK [stadium] was pretty awesome when that parade ended in ’80, but today, seeing it from start to finish and just being a part of it, brings tears to my eyes, excitement."
The veteran pitcher, who led all Phillies starters with 16 wins during the regular season, is a free agent, meaning his future with the club is undecided. Being a hometown guy, there is little doubt of his first choice.
"I am going to give this organization every opportunity to resign me, but business is business," Moyer said. "I don’t know what their plans are or what their direction is. I really can’t speak for where their direction is, but I feel really comfortable that they would be interested in having me come back and let’s just see where that goes."
None of this success would’ve been possible without the guidance of Manager Charlie Manuel. Back in November 2004, there was a lot of doubt concerning his qualifications, but Manuel led his organization to four-straight winning seasons and has brought this town something endless others couldn’t. Friday, "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie" echoed through Citizens Bank Park. On that day, Manuel could’ve easily run for mayor and won.
Those who didn’t like Manuel four years ago, love him now.
"It is absolutely amazing," Manuel said of the fan reaction to the win. "I was overjoyed. I never had that many people [root] for me in my life. I never will probably. That’s a lot of people."
