Philadelphia knows a thing or two about sports. Though we haven't frequently been able to have parades down Broad Street, it is still one of the premier sports cities. The teams and especially their fans are known all throughout the country and even the world. It isn't easy being a fan of these teams, but it makes the victories that much more worth it.
For the last 13 years of my life, I have been a die-hard Philly fan. It's in my blood. Though most of those seasons have been filled with heartbreaks, there has on occasion been moments that I won't soon forget. I have a feeling if you are a Philly fan, you haven't forgotten these moments either.
Here are 11 (I couldn't narrow it down any further) moments you and I will never forget. Just a heads up though. Since the 2001 Sixers and Allen Iverson were primarily before I started watching, those moments will, unfortunately, be excluded. Without further ado, let the countdown begin!
11. Flyers beat the Penguins 4-2 in the 2012 Playoffs
If there is one thing Philadelphia loves more than cheesesteaks, it's watching Sidney Crosby and the Penguins lose. We had the honor of taking down the heavily-favorites in April of 2012. Not only was the series exciting with 56 combined goals scored, but it was one of the ugliest series in recent history. Who can forget those fights? Who can forget Crosby pushing Voracek's glove away? Who can forget the sucker punches? Not me that's for sure, and I am sure you haven't forgotten either.
10. Michael Vick's 2010 comeback season
Many turned their backs on the Eagles when it was announced that they had signed Michael Vick. I don't blame them. However, those who stuck around witnessed one of the NFL's most electrifying quarterbacks return to stardom. What started as a QB debate over Kevin Kolb or Michael quickly became clear. Vick put some sparks back into the Eagles. Let's not forget that night against the Redskins where on the opening play Vick threw an 88-yard bomb to DeSean Jackson for the touchdown. Let's not forget anything from this season. Vick's 2010 season wasn't just a Pro Bowl-worthy season, it was also one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. We all learned a thing or two about second chances.
9. Sixers beat the Bulls 4-2 in the 2012 Playoffs
Man, the Spring of 2012 sure was exhilarating wasn't it? Sure, there's a chance we wouldn't have advanced if Derrick Rose hadn't gotten hurt. Sure, we weren't the best Sixers team ever. But who can forget the emotions that day? A crazy Game 6, with possibly the craziest final 25 seconds ever. Knocking off the #1 seed was pretty sweet. It was also one of the final games of Andre Iguodola's time in Philly. It was the best of time's for the Sixers, well, until now.
8. Flyers comeback to beat the Bruins in the 2010 Playoffs
There is almost nothing worse than being swept in the playoffs. Well, maybe being up 3-0 in the series and losing the last 4 games. Yes Bruins fans, I am taking a jab at you. It had only been the 3rd time in NHL history, but those Flyers sure didn't let us down. Game 7 was the perfect touch, as we ironically won the game 4-3. That season's team was also one OT goal away from bringing the Stanley Cup back to our city. It has been called one of the greatest comebacks ever. I guess Philadelphia has a history of doing that.
7. #TrustTheProcess
Sam Hinkie ran his model on the phrase. We ran him out of Philly for it, until it became our battle cry. We went through Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlons Noel, and Jahil Okafor. Sportscenter's favorite topic of discussion was who would win if we played Kentucky. That is all changing, finally. Bring in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, two of the most talented players in all of the NBA. It has been a long couple of years, but it is looking like it was worth the wait. I can't put this any higher on my list just because we really don't know where this will go, but all signs are pointing up. Trust The Process.
6. Ryan Howard's 58 Home Run Season
I remember a billboard in my town that year with just the number 58 and the letters "M-V-P". Alongside Donovan McNabb, Ryan Howard was my first sports idol. I am sure he was many of yours too. There was just something special about his 2006 MVP season. Don't forget, it was only his sophomore season. It was exciting just trying to keep track of what number home run he was at. Jimmy Rollins declaring the Phillies "the team to beat" in 2007 could have easily gone here, but it hard to argue against Howard taking the league by storm.
5. The Eagles drafting Carson Wentz
It's probably hard for you to remember what life was like before we drafted Wentz. Let me remind you. Chip Kelly, Sam Bradford, and Mark Sanchez. There; now you remember. Kelly had single-handedly blown up a playoff team. Then came 2016. Kelly was out and Doug Pederson was in. More importantly, the Eagles best draft decision in nearly 20 years happened. A man from North Dakota, who played 23 games of FCS football. You could just feel it in your heart. Somehow, we had just landed our future. The key to our dreams. We knew Wentz was going to be good, but we didn't know he would be THIS good. It is still early in his career, hence why this isn't higher. However, you just get the feeling this man may be helping us achieve THAT THING we've badly wanted.
4. Roy Halladay throws a perfect game
Only the 20th time, ever. Halladay had already been a lock for the hall of fame, but one moment more than any other solidified his legacy as an all-time great. The offense may have only scored one run, but that was all we needed. We knew with Halladay we were in good hands. That same season he threw a no-hitter in the playoffs. The Phillies haven't had as dominant of a pitcher since him, and it probably will be a while until we find the next one. Roy was one heck of a guy. Rest In Peace.
3. Eagles (finally) win the NFC
After 3 straight losses in the NFC Championship Game, 2004 had a different outcome. The 2nd best team in the league and 1st in the NFC finally got the job done with a 27-10 beatdown of the Falcons. It was so fulfilling to see stars like McNabb, Owens, Dawkins, Trotter, and Westbrook make it this far. It's the closest we have come to the elusive Lombardi Trophy. The season ended in a heartbreaking fashion, but don't forget how magical the season had been.
2. Miracle at the Meadowlands II
I already mentioned the 2010 season for the Eagles, now let's revisit the highlight of the season. You'd think being down 31-10 with 8:18 left in the game would be practically game over right? Well, the Giants, Fox Sports, and basically everyone watching thought so. The Eagles, on the other hand, had other plans. A touchdown by Celek at 7:28. An onside kick. A Vick touchdown at 5:28. A Maclin touchdown with 1:16 left. All tied up with only 14 seconds left, Jackson completes the single greatest play I have ever witnessed. A 65-yard punt return, after initially fumbling the ball mind you. Admit it, you still get chills just thinking about that game. What did I say about Philly and comebacks?
1. The 2008 Phillies
This is it. You knew it was coming. "The 0-2 pitch. SWING AND A MISS. STRUUUUUCCKKKK HIM OOOOUUUTTT. THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ARE 2008 WORLD CHAMPIONS OF BASEBALL!!!" Harry Kalas' words will live forever in Philadelphia. We can recite the team in a heartbeat: Howard, Utley, Rollins, Feliz, Ruiz, Burrell, Victorino, Worth. You remember that pitching rotation: Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Blanton. You remember Brad Lidge being perfect on saves for the season with 48 of them. You remember the night of game 5 when we could almost taste it and then we got rained out. It was only fitting that waiting 28 years would mean we would have to wait 2 days more. It was a storybook ending for Philadelphia. It is the only championship I have witnessed in my lifetime. We will never forget that year; one of the best days of our lives.
That's all from memory lane. Here's to the next 13 years of Philadelphia sports, and the glory that will hopefully return to our city.