Dear Philadelphia Phillies,

Hi, loyal follower here. In case you want to make sure, I have been faithfully cheering on the red, white, and blue since I was barely three feet tall. My grandfather bought seats from the old Veterans Stadium after Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004 for our hometown team. Our family took multiple trips to your Double-A team, along with the occasional field trip to major league games.

Anyway, I am not here to prove my loyalty. Instead, I am here to bring back some memories of the good old times. You remember 2008, almost ten years ago? That was a beautiful October for me when I got to see my baseball team win the World Series.

The next year was not so bad either. We were close to a repeat until those dastardly Yankees won four games to two.

Then, the 2011 postseason happened.

Remember Ryan Howard? Well, while tearing his Achilles tendon in Game 5 of the National League Divisional Series, it also tore my heart. After this disaster of an ending to a season, I thought that this would be the worst event for my team.

Was I ever wrong.

Year after year, I have watched my beloved team sink further and further away from the joys of 2008. Not only have they not reached the playoffs since 2011, but, right now, they are in the last place out of ALL 30 teams.

This type of record can lead some to change their allegiance to a better team, like the LA Dodgers or Houston Astros. It can cause frustration, knowing that you are more likely to see your team lose than win when you watch or listen to their games. Yet, somehow, I defend my stance as a fan. Which leaves many others, including myself at times, to wonder...

Why?

This is actually an easier question to answer than most would think.

I believe that the future can change quickly. Just look at where the Chicago Cubs are compared to last year.

I believe that baseball is interesting. Even when the Phillies lose, they try and keep their fans believing in the game.

I believe that our farm system will change. While it hit a bump in the years of glory, I think the Phillies are starting to see an upside in the Lehigh Valley and Reading.

But the biggest reason?

I am a Philadelphia sports fan.

We in Philly do not give up after a couple of losing seasons. We trust the process, no matter how long it takes. We stick by our teams, even if that means throwing the occasional snowballs at our rivals.

We bleed the colors of the season, whether that be red, blue, and white or orange and black.

We know that, while championships are rare in this city, it is worthwhile to wait around for the next one. Because who else can throw a party like Philadelphia?

So, while others have jumped the bandwagon, I will stick with you. I trust the Philadelphia Phillies will not remain the bottom of the barrel for much longer. Just bring up Crawford already, okay?

Sincerely,

A Dear Old Fan