From: Gonzalez, John
To: Ford, Bob; Sheridan, Phil
Subject: Smelling the roses
We often ask the players whether they've had time to step back and fully appreciate the enormity of the current situation. But have either of you paused to think about how cool it is that the Phils are on the precipice of their first World Series in 15 years?
I know you're jaded, Ford, but even you have to dig this.
From: Sheridan, Phil
To: Gonzalez, John; Ford, Bob
Subject: Smelling the roses
I'm Philadelphia born and raised, Gonz. I'm already nostalgic for these games, already imagining how we'll look back on the 2008 Phillies the way we do on the '50 and '80 and '93 teams. We'll talk forever about how they were deader than Elvis in Game 4 and then got two (TWO!) 2-run homers in the eighth inning (TWO!) from Shane Victorino and Matt Stairs. We'll talk about how the Hall of Fame guys (Hamels, Rollins, Utley, Howard) were all on that team, but Matt Stairs won Game 4 with one swing of his bat.
It is very cool, and I hope the city and 'burbs (shout out to Lower Bucks!) are fully enjoying it. This doesn't happen very often for us, and we should savor every pitch, every big hit, every last damn moment.
Mostly - like a lot of us - I look around at the older men and women in my family, and I really would love to see them get to enjoy a championship. Just one stinking parade.
From: Gonzalez, John
To: Sheridan, Phil; Ford, Bob
Subject: Smelling the roses
Did you just "shout out" to Lower Bucks? Might be my favorite Talkin' moment of all time.
I'm glad that you're enjoying the ride, Sheridan. I think we all should. Most of the time, the ride breaks down before we get to the destination. Hopefully, that won't happen again. Right now, though, we have the top down and the music blaring and nothing but open road ahead. It really is a fine time to be from Philly.
Go ahead, Ford. Do some hating on that.
From: Ford, Bob
To: Gonzalez, John; Sheridan, Phil
Subject: Smelling the roses
Wow, it would be hard to choose my favorite Talkin' moment of all time.
I will be very happy for a number of people I know who would take great pleasure in having a team from Philadelphia win a championship. It apparently means a lot. The sun will come up the following day and nothing will have changed except the mantra. "Will we ever get another?" I can hear it now. It's just sports, folks.
From: Gonzalez, John
To: Sheridan, Phil; Ford, Bob
Subject: Smelling the roses
There's the killjoy I know and love. You never disappoint, Ford. Next, you should go find some children and break the bad news about Santa and the Easter Bunny not being real.
From: Sheridan, Phil
To: Gonzalez, John; Ford, Bob
Subject: Smelling the roses
What's this vile slander about the Easter Bunny?
For what it's worth, I don't think Bob is totally hating our joy here. I agree that taking this stuff personally and letting it make you embittered and mean is an unfortunate side effect for many fans - and yes, that includes many Philadelphia fans. I don't point that out to be critical, but because I love the city a lot, and it pains me to see so much anger over what, ultimately, doesn't change your life that much.
But when it's like this, and you can just enjoy a run with a pretty darn likable group of players? That's worth savoring.
From: Ford, Bob
To: Gonzalez, John; Sheridan, Phil
Subject: Smelling the roses
Look, I like this team. If they win the World Series, congratulations and well done. That's going to be an amazing accomplishment. Can't we just leave it at that? It's not like gas will cost $1.49 a gallon if they win and $3.49 if they lose. Then, I'd be rooting.
From: Gonzalez, John
To: Sheridan, Phil; Ford, Bob
Subject: Smelling the roses
You're a real gas.
From: Sheridan, Phil
To: Gonzalez, John; Ford, Bob
Subject: Smelling the roses
I know I'm pumped.
