My First Phillies Memory and Why Philly Fans Are One of a Kind

I think my earliest memory of baseball is sitting cross-legged on the living room floor on Tackawanna Street, somewhere in Tacony—watching a Phillies game. My family was going wild, screaming and yelling at every pitch. Dad was so into it, always trying to pull me into the action, explaining plays, and getting me to cheer.

But one night stands out above all the rest. I must've been about 8 years old. I went to bed early and missed the end of the game. Suddenly, Mom woke me out of a deep sleep with the best news: the Phillies won! We bundled up quick—coats, scarves, the works and headed straight out into the night for the walk to Frankford and Cottman. It wasn't a short stroll, especially after dark, but who cared? The streets were alive, with people running everywhere, horns blaring, and chaos in the best way. Somehow, I was hoisted onto some stranger's shoulders. I still have no idea who it was to this day, and I got to see it all from up high. It was pure magic.

Growing up, I didn't realize being a Phillies fan was any different from being a fan of other teams. My dad laid down the law early: certain teams were off-limits, period. He taught me to be loud and unapologetic, that we don't care what anyone thinks. I just took it as gospel, figuring every fanbase was like that.

It wasn't until I got older that it hit me that we're different. It's ingrained in us, deep in our bones. Phillies fans embody honesty and loyalty, but with a killer sense of humor—the kind where we roast ourselves mercilessly, yet know exactly when to dish it right back. If you're a player wearing that Phillies uniform, you'd better understand when to stand up for yourself. But rarely at the fans. The problems never start there. Save it for the media.

When I think about honesty, Alec Bohm is the perfect example. He *bodied* it out there, no excuses, no BS.

In Philly, we don't do liars.

It's a mindset, a family tradition passed down through the generations. Each game day brings a sense of unity, where families gather to cheer and share stories, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Being a Phillies fan isn't just about the wins (though God, do we love those). It's about the thrill of the game, the camaraderie with fellow fans, and the unwavering support for the team through thick and thin.