For having the distinction as the longest standing professional sports franchise in one city spanning 128 years, it is somewhat amazing that a large concentration of the Philadelphia Phillies organization's postseason highlights have come in the most recent 30 years.
Certainly, some of this relates to Major League Baseball's format changes that first added a round of league playoffs with the initial formation of divisions and then expanded to the current four playoff participant approach in each league. Simply put, since the changes, there have been more opportunities to participate in the annual year-end tournament than in the days of baggy knickers.
But, the increase in autumn thrills can also be attributed to the fact that the organization has been on a definite up swing over the past four decades, perhaps still reaching to attain new heights with the current era of the club. Prior to that time, the Phillies history was strewn with large periods of futility and dry spells.
It is a safe bet that Phillies faithful would have preferred a richer history dotted with triumphs in exchange for varying levels of annual disappointment and frustration. However, rather than bemoaning the team's less decorated history, the upside for die hard Phillies fans is that it provides for a deeper appreciation of those relatively scarce high points and achievements.
Accordingly, so many of the magical memories and moments over the past couple years still reside in the forefront of Phillies fans minds— and probably aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Yankees fans may have quantity in their favor, but Phillies fans sure do have quality. With many years and long periods of unsatisfied yearnings and unconditional love invested into the team, the thrills and payoff are that much sweeter. Of course, the Phillies organization and their fervent fanbase would not complain if quantity were to come their way as well.
Sifting through the archives of the Internet and my mind, I present to you the top 5 postseason moments in Philadelphia Phillies history:
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