Finally!!!!

Last night the Phillies won the world series. It was the first time in 28 years and only the second time in the hundred plus years the franchise has been in existence. I remember the names of people like Steve Carlton and Tug McGraw from the '80 team but I'd be lying if I said I remember any of the games. I'd also be lying if I said that I am a huge baseball fan but this victory has broader implications.

The curse of William Penn has been broken.

Sure, every slumping sports city has a "curse" of some sort, but ours is real. You see, there is a statue of William Penn on the top of city hall in Philadelphia. For many, many years He was the highest point in the city, city hall the tallest building. But then, in 1987, perhaps because the lack of skyscrapers was retarding the economic growth of the city, taller buildings began to appear. One Liberty Place was the first and thus began the "Close but no cigar" saga of all four major sports teams. There have been 7 appearances in championship finals since 1987, but no victories. Until last night.

The Phillies won because of their superior pluck and skill, but Billy Penn had a role in the championship as well. Earlier this year, a small statue of Penn was installed at the top of the new tallest structure in the city, Comcast Center. With His place of prominence restored, Penn has (hopefully) been placated and allowed sporting glory to return. The Phillies victory is tremendously important because it removes the final hurdle to a Stanley Cup and a Super Bowl. Well, a Stanley Cup anyway. To win the Super Bowl the Eagles are going to have to figure out how to cover tight ends on passing plays and also maybe diversify their offense a little bit...

Edit: There more to the win than even I imagined! Thanks, Tug...