The Phanatic and Mayor Nutter show off their moves. (All photos by M. van Ogtrop)
Hundreds of Phillies fans flooded City Hall’s Dilworth Plaza today for the Phillies’ official World Series pep rally.
It was quite a feast for the eyes and ears: Rally towels were waving, fans were cheering and elected officials were dancing, all under the watchful gaze of William Penn.
The Phillie Phanatic: Often imitated, never equaled.
One of the first, and most loudly cheered for, speakers was former Phillies catcher Darren Daulton. “There’s a stigma about Philadelphia,” he said. “Is it the weather? No. Is it the stadium? No. It’s the fans.” (Loud cheering from us.) “There’s two powerhouses going at it this week,” he continued, “And I think it’s the fans who can rattle the other team.” We’ll do our best, Dutch!
Fans of all ages, shapes and decibel levels showed up to cheer for the Fightins.
Mayor Michael Nutter, bounding onto the stage a few minutes later, announced a contest to win a pair of tickets to a World Series game:
Send an email to: phillymayor(at)gmail(dot)com, including your name, address and phone number (the Mayor did not specify a subject line, but something along the lines of “Phillies Ticket Contest” seems rational). Winners will receive a pair of tickets to at least one World Series game at Citizens Bank Park. (Good luck!)
Moving on, the Mayor introduced a guy who represents Philadelphia better than anybody. “He’s kind of wild, kind of zany,” he began, “The greatest team mascot in the United States of America, the Phillie Phanatic!”
The Phanatic and Mayor Nutter, great ambassadors of Philadelphia team spirit.
The pep rally concluded with a sing-along of “High Hopes,” late broadcaster Harry Kalas’ signature anthem, followed by “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” sung by Mayor Nutter, the Phanatic (well, he danced rather than sang), the Phillies Ballgirls and Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr.
Thanks for showing us the team-spirit ropes, guys. Now, let’s put it to good use. BEAT THE YANKEES! Let’s show ‘em how we do in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Phillies [gophila.com]