Well, the Phillies took division titles in 1976, 1977 and 1978, winning a franchise-best 101 games in each of those first two seasons.
In 1980, the prime interest rate hit 20 percent for the first time, and the Phils won the World Series for the first time.
And depending on where you look for confirmation, the United States was either at the tail end of recessions or just pulling out in the four other years the Phils reached the World Series: 1915, 1950, 1983 and 1993.
Now comes 2008.
These Phillies look as if they will at least make it to the National League Championship Series. And the economy is as scary as Charlie Manuel's syntax.
So why does Philadelphia baseball run with the bears and not the bulls?
Why do the Phillies soar when economic indicators are heading in the other direction?
Let's face it, for most of their existence, the Phillies have been a pretty gross domestic product. Their trade balance always has been negative. Interest was low until the 1970s. And "stuck in the past" more accurately would describe the team's philosophy over most of its 125 years than "currency."
Or maybe it's because depression is a word that, in another sense, has long been associated with the Phillies. In fact, over the years, they've probably driven more Philadelphians to the pharmacy than SEPTA has.
Whatever the link, enjoy its happy outcome.
But remember, every time they get a hit, your portfolio's taking one.
NASCAR note of the week. Pit crews are buzzing about BernzOmatic's new Fat Boy fuel cylinder. The torch company is marketing Fat Boy with ads that move beyond the border of good taste but stop well short of hilarity.
"Fat Boys have more gas!" is one. "Fat Boys sweat more!" another.
You can find more on the Web site http://laughyourgasoff.com.
"Duh!" headline of the week. "Minaya Pondering Changes for Mets."
Will one of them be ending the season in August?
