Don't call me a Phillies Fan

I'm proud to be a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies today. Despite their loss to the Yankees, they played a good, hard fight. They were a team of pride. A team of courage. And most importantly, a team known for its good sportsmanship and amazing power, on and off the field.

Winning the National League East three years running, that's powerful. Winning the National League Conference two years in a row, that's powerful. Playing as well as they did in the World Series this year and last, that's power. So, they lost. What can't be overlooked is the amazing team that the Phillies are and just how strongly they stand for our city.  They lost to an excellent ball club. The Yankees played hard. They had strength, skill and dedication.

So today and tomorrow, I'll still wear red. My kids' bedrooms still show their Phillies pride. And we look forward to an excellent year next year. A year where we will once again follow the Phils and cheer them on toward victory.

Yes, I'm a fan of the Phillies. But I am not proud to be a Phillies fan. Having lived here nearly all my life, I recognize how die-hard Philadelphia fans are. But I am appalled at the lack of class our fans, once again, exhibited. You couldn't watch the home games this week without hearing a chant of "Yankees suck! Yankees suck!"

Quite honestly, the Yankees do not suck. Actually, they're a darn good team that not only made it to the World Series this year, they claimed their 27th trophy. So, please, tell me what good it does to chant for the world to hear "Yankees suck."

Philadelphia fans should cheer for their own team. Fans should yell positively for Rollins, Lee, Howard, Utley and the crew. They should encourage a win shouting "Go Phillies!" Enthusiasts should stand up and cheer their team onward. Positive enthusiasm isn't just contagious, its encouraging. Its looked upon with pride.

But the yells of "Yankees suck" did nothing to help our city from its negative, ugly repuation. And I am inclined to agree: we are an ugly city. And we will continue to be an ugly city until we can act publicly in a positive, encouraging manner.

I'll be a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies for years to come. But a Phillies fan, please leave me out of that category.

This is an original Philly Moms Blog post. Julie Pron looks forward to April when she will cheer for the Phillies with positive energy. She hopes that positive energy will encourage her children to be positive as well.