Renewing hostilities

So, Phillies, we meet again.

You don't remember me, but I remember you.

It's been a long time. A quarter of a century to be exact. We used to see each other all the time, at right about this time. My Dodgers would play you on a regular basis in October, and I would be there, in front of the TV, forgetting that you were my Plan B team, suddenly hating you for getting in my team's way.

You were my first postseason villain, although a strangely dressed one, outfitted in redish caps and powder-blue jammies. You had a wild man for a shortstop and a powerful free-swinger for a third baseman, a big boy in left field, and my favorite non-Dodger in center, Mr. Maddox.

It was a great rivalry. It included my favorite player, The Penguin, Ron Cey:

And another favorite, Dusty Baker. Both Baker and Cey hit grand slams against you, remember?

And, of course you remember, Game 3 of the 1977 NLCS, right? Good times. Remember an older gentleman named Vic Davalillo? The 41-year-old hit a two-out bunt in the ninth inning that started a three-run rally that turned a 5-3 deficit into a 6-5 win.

Ah, you do remember! Stop cursing! You were part of a comeback for the ages.

Then there was Steve Garvey and his two home runs in Game 1 of 1978. And Garry Maddox's error in the 10th inning of the decisive Game 4. Remember that?

In 1983 you had new players, former Big Red Machine members (blecchh!), like Rose and Morgan (double-blecchh!). And you brought a new attitude. You were brash and determined, not the cuddly, clumsy Phillies that I used to know.

You had "Sarge," who hit a three-run home run in the first inning off of Jerry Reuss in Game 4, a titanic clout that I don't think has landed yet.

You won the battle that year. But then we went our separate ways for 25 years. Those were great times, 1977-83. I miss those times. We used to rule the world.

Now you're back. And I'm back. The players have changed. You have Burrell, Howard and Utley. My Dodgers have Ramirez, Martin and Loney. But it's good to see you again, old adversary. It's been too long.

I'll be in front of the TV this Thursday, watching you again, forgetting you're my Plan B team, and hating you for getting in the Dodgers' way. Just like the old days.

It's time to break out the polyester and get down! Good to have you back, Phillies. Now lose!