There Is One Positive To Take From This Game...Believe It Or Not

Think about it.

After getting annihilated by a division opponent for so much at stake, how many times has the team on the losing end had the opportunity to redeem themselves against the same exact foe the next week?

I can't think of any. If there has been situations like this before, they're definitely one of the few.
It is very difficult for any team to beat another squad three times in a season, let alone back to back weeks. There is no reason the Eagles shouldn't be able to rebound after this disheartening defeat.

Putting next week aside for a second and recapping what we just watched, this was a game that the Eagles got beat in every single facet-from the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Even the special teams were not as good as the Cowboys.

This 24-0 loss hurts. It stinks. It leaves a sour taste in your mouth. While minuscule, being able to call yourself the NFC East Champions means something. The fact that the Dallas Cowboys get to call themselves that is disturbing. But hey, just as Troy Aikman said on the Fox broadcast today, if the Eagles win next week, all that is for nothing.

You get a second chance next week Eagles. This time, please come ready to play.

DeSean Jackson Is The Ultimate Weapon

The Eagles 27-13 win over the 49ers this past Sunday not only put them into the playoffs for the eighth time in the last 11 years, but also solidified that the Eagles would be no where without No. 10, DeSean Jackson.

His six receptions for 140 yards are due in large part to the fact that no one can cover him, along with he has unbelievable talent and speed. Where would the Eagles be this year without their No. 1 wide receiver? I think it is pretty obvious.

The Eagles have 3609 passing yards this season, with 1087 of those going into the hands of Jackson. They have 24 passing touchdowns between Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick, with eight of those being Jackson's receiving scores.

It's safe to say this has been the most explosive and talented Eagles offense in the McNabb/Andy Reid regime. They have more weapons than any previous year, including 2004 with Terrell Owens. To go with Jackson, LeSean McCoy is an impressive rookie that plays like a veteran. Jeremy Maclin has been fairly solid in his rookie season. Brent Celek is the tight end that we never got out of L.J. Smith. Leonard Weaver has been nothing but a breath of fresh air, minus his ridiculous debate with a 49ers defender late in the first half two days ago.

Even with all of that ability, Jackson accounts for a third of the Eagles offense in terms of the receiving part of it. Factor in that Reid didn't start having a balanced attack with the passing and running until the past few weeks.

The big issue with Jackson is his contract. Although he has not come out and complained about it, with an agent like Drew Rosenhaus and with what he is currently being paid, it's only a matter of time before something hits the fan.

As of last year, Jackson is signed to a four-year, $3.058 million contract. Now, for a rookie, which he was last year, that was appropriate. But, he is not a rookie anymore and it is crucial that the Eagles extend the contract this incredible football player as soon as possible. In 2009, Jackson is only being paid $385,000. The majority of the team is receiving a larger pay check than him this season.

Regardless of what happens with his contract though, it's for certain that when the playoffs come around, Jackson will continue to light up the highlight reals. Maybe we'll even see another chest bump with Reid. Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be a fun ride with No. 10 in the game.

How Good Are The Philadelphia Eagles?

AWESOME chest bumps between big and small people, as well as long yardage plays aside, last night's 45-38 gridiron slug fest with the Giants was surely entertaining.

However, the important question to take note of is how good is the Philadelphia Eagles team...really.

This big play offense and all of these weapons are great and as Eagles fans, we've been crying for these pieces for years. YEARS! But, when we were crying for them, the team's defense was sensational.

I'm not looking at the numbers. I don't even care what the numbers are because they're unimportant to me. What I'm looking at is the makeup of this defense, the way they play, and how stupid they can be sometimes.

The Linebackers-They can't cover a soul. Jeremiah Trotter is a tremendous run stopper and that's where he shines. Not to mention, he is a phenomenal leader and is key to this team's sucess. But in the passing game...big problems. Will Witherspoon and Chris Gocong are average linebackers. They are really missing the talents of a Stewart Bradley.

The Secondary-Big play offense...big play secondary. Sheldon Brown is OK in pass coverage, but he gets beat a lot on double moves. Asante Samuel, as a buddy of mine texted me last night, can't cover a turtle. All he gets are interceptions. Quinten Mikkel, while he's been solid since becoming a starter a couple of years ago, played AWFUL last night. He got way too many penalties and he couldn't tackle anyone.

That seems to be a recurring problem with everyone on the defense-tackling. No one of the Eagles D is tackling anybody and if this continues, it will bite them in the big games.

The Eagles have a chance to make a run this year, especially with their talented offense. But if they can't play any defense, teams like New Orleans and Minnesota in road playoff games for the Eagles will be able to control the tempo and clock down the stretches of the fourth quarter.

Defense wins games, defense wins championships. Will the Eagles?

The State Of Philly Sports...Holy S*** Are We Behind

OK, no more screwing around. This post will hopefully catch us up on the state of our teams.

Eagles:
-They had a very good draft, getting wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and running back LeSean McCoy in the first round. Even though he is not in the link, tight end Cornelius Ingram was a good pick too.
-During the draft, they traded for corner back Ellis Hobbs. This was pretty much to get Sheldon Brown, who was upset with his contract and overall state with the Eagles, to shutup. Even though Andy Reid wouldn't admit it, you knew that was the case.
-Apparently, the Eagles tried to trade Sheldon and a third-round draft pick for Anquan Boldin, but obviously it didn't work out.
-L.J. Smith is a Baltimore Raven—YES!
-Lito Sheppard is opening his trap again, talking bad about the Eagles and saying the Sheldon situation won't work out.
-And the worst news of them all, not just for football purposes, but MOST IMPORTANTLY for his sake as a human being, defensive coordinator Jim Jackson is taking a leave of absence from the team for more chemotherapy treatment on the tumor in his spine. It crushes me to know that this great man is suffering like he is. I only hope the best for him, not just as a coach, but as a human being most importantly because that is the most important thing.

Flyers:
-Captain Mike Richards had surgery on his shoulder and will need ten weeks after it to recover.
-Defensman Randy Jones had surgery regarding his hip. It was successful. Will he play better now?

76ers:
-Tony DiLeo decided the not be in the candidate list for 76ers head coach next year. He is returning to his previous position as assistant general manager. Now, Ed Stefanski has the difficult of finding a new head coach. I say they should get Avery Johnson. But, Stef met with Eddie Jordan this past Friday and I have a feeling he has a good chance of being the guy because Stef and him worked together in New Jersey when Jordan was an assistant there. Who knows though? There were orginally big talks about Doug Collins, but now those allegations are denied.
-The 76ers didn't renew color analyst Bob Salmi's contract for next season. Do people agree with me when I say bring back Steve Mix?

Phillies:
-Here is a list of the Phillies scores that weren't posted on this site
May 10: 4-2 Loss vs. Braves
May 12: 5-3 Win vs. Dodgers
May 13: 9-2 Loss vs. Dodgers
May 14: 5-3 Loss vs. Dodgers
May 15: 10-6 Win at Nationals
May 16 Game 1: 8-5 Win at Nationals
May 16 Game 2: 7-5 Win at Nationals
May 17: 8-6 Win at Nationals

Yeah, the Nationals stink and they couldn't have come at a better time on the Phillies schedule. Now, the team is 20-16 and a half game behind the first place Mets in the division.

And , one more point, before the game on Friday, the Phillies had their re-scheduled visit to the White House to meet President Barack Obama. The previous one was postponed due to the sad and unexpected passing of the great Harry Kalas one day prior to the originally planned visit.
OK...caught up. Hopefully, there is no more slacking.

This Is Why He Is A Hero

I found this on the700level.com and it is an interview from NBC's John Clark to Brian Dawkins.

We definitely partied Dawk. For 13 years, we "acted a fool" as we watched you on the field.

Thank you.

What's Been Going Down In the Crazy World Of Philadelphia Sports

I'll admit, "South Broad Street" has been a bit behind on being up to date with what's been going on in Philly sports. So, I'm going to try to re-cap the best I can in this particular post and give my fair share of analysis.

Flyers:

-They Orange and the Black have won two straight after a very disheartening loss to the Red Wings, by defeating the Sabres in Buffalo on Friday 6-4 with Danny Briere scoring twice against his former squad and beating the hated Penguins today in Pittsburgh 3-1. Simon Gagne and Scott Hartnell scored, while Darrell Powe had an empty netter. Marty Biron made 27 saves. This could very possibly be a first round match-up in the four and five spots in the playoffs.

76ers:

-The 76ers for some reason continue to refuse to play defense out west as they fell to the Golden State Warriors on Friday 119-111. The Warriors, albeit out west, are freaking terrible. They are almost 20 games under .500. The Sixers shot a dismal 38 percent from the floor and 25 percent from three range. They are in Sacramento tonight.

Phillies:

-I'm sure you all know this already, but Cole Hamels' throwing elbow (originally said arm but it is in fact an elbow) wasn't feeling great, he went back to Philly to get it examined, but everything turned out alright and is now back in Clearwater. FEWWWW! Deep breath. However, he will probably not start on Opening Night and thus, Brett Myers will have that privilege. 

Eagles:

-The Birds signed fullback Leonard Weaver, which is a nice addition. So far, there big pickups have been Stacey Andrews, Sean Jones and Rashad Baker (who played in Oakland last year and made that big INT in the game versus Tampa Bay to help the Eagles get that playoff spot). WOOPY! But, in all seriousness, Weaver is an improvement from last year at the fullback position.

-One more Eagles note, ex-Bird Correll Buckhalter is alleged to be dealing with drugs. Well, good thing this happened when he became a Bronco and wasn't an Eagle. With the loss of Dawk and Tra, all we needed was to hear about how one of our players was "Actin' A Fool!" in a bad way.

ALL-PHILLY TEAM EAGLES WILD CARD BALLOT Info Session: Keith Jackson

Keith Jackson (tight end)

-Played tight end for the Eagles from 1988 to 1991
-Three-time Pro Bowler as an Eagle
-Three-time All Pro Selection as an Eagle
-In his rookie season, he had 81 receptions for 869 yards and 6 touchdowns
-Won the NFC Rookie of the Year in 1988

ALL-PHILLY TEAM EAGLES WILD CARD BALLOT Info Session: Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens (wide receiver)

-He played wide receiver for the Eagles from 2004 to 2005

-He was a member of their 2004 NFC Championship team

-In 2004, he compiled the best season for any wide receiver in Eagles history, collecting 77 receptions for 12,000 yards and 14 touchdowns

-In Super Bowl XXXIX, after being out with an ankle sprain and fractured fibula, he unbelievably came back and caught nine passes for 122 yards in a losing effort

-Controversy shadows over his ability

ALL-PHILLY TEAM EAGLES WILD CARD BALLOT Info Session: Troy Vincent

Troy Vincent (cornerback)

-He played cornerback on the Eagles from 1996 to 2003.

-He made the Pro Bowl five consecutive years, from 1999-2003

-He was an NFL First Team All Pro three times as an Eagle

-Is on the Eagles 75th Anniversary Team

***ALL-PHILLY TEAM*** Info Session 9

This is the final Info Session for the initial balloting. 

I will post something probably tomorrow on how the Wild Card and Tiebreaker balloting will work. So, when putting it all together, expect the ALL-PHILLY TEAM results to be finalized in at least two weeks after the initial balloting closes. But, a time table has not been finalized yet. 

Anyway, this final Info Session for the initial balloting deals with all of the championship teams our city has seen. And when I say championships, I mean the whole thing. None of these teams just won a division title or a conference title. They went to the promise land and finished No. 1 in their respective leagues. So, here we go.

1. 1910 Philadelphia Athletics 

-Managed by Connie Mack, the 1910 A's finished with a regular season record of 102-48, 14 1/2 games in front of the second place New York Highlanders, to go to the World Series
-In the World Series, they defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-1 in the series to bring home their first World Championship. 

-They won the first two games at Shibe Park and then Game 3 in Chicago's West Side Park. The Cubs pulled out Game 4 4-3 in 10 innings, but the A's routed the Cubs in Game 5 at West Side Park, 7-2.

2. 1911 Philadelphia Athletics

-Managed by Connie Mack and led by the "$100,00 Infield" of John "Stuffy" McInnis (first base), Eddie Collins (second base), Jack Barry (shortstop), Frank "Home Run" Baker (third base), Eddie Plank (pitcher) and Charles "Chief" Bender (pitcher), the A's finished with a regular season record of 101-50, 13 1/2 games in front of the second place Detroit Tigers in the American League

-In a World Series where the location switched every game, the A's dropped the first game to the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds, but then won three straight to go up 3-1 in the series after four games. In Game 5 at the Polo Grounds, the Giants beat the A's 4-3 in 10 innings to stay a live in the series, but in Game 6 at Shibe Park, the A's demolished the National League Giants 13-2 to win their second championship in a row. 

3. 1913 Philadelphia Athletics 

-Once again managed by Connie Mack and led by the "$100,000 Infield", which the 1913 version is considered by some to be the best infield of all time, finished with a record of 96-57, 6 1/2 games ahead of the Washington Senators in the American League.

-In the World Series, they once again defeated the New York Giants, this time 4-1.

-After the series was tied 1-1 after two games, one at the Polo Grounds and the other at Shibe Park, the A's won three in a row to win their third World Series title in four years. 

4. 1926 Frankford Yellow Jackets

-Led by player/coach Guy Chamberlain, the Yellow Jackets of 1926 finished with a record of 14-1-2, which was the best in the league, finishing a head of the 12-1-3 second place Chicago Bear. By that virtue, they were crowned the 1926 NFL Champions.

5. 1929 Philadelphia Athletics 

-Managed and owned by Connie Mack and led by future Hall of Famers such as Lefty Grove, Mickey Cochrane, Jimmie Foxx and Al Simmons, along with other guys such as Big George Earnshaw, the A's finished with a regular season record of 104-46, 18 games better than the second place New York Yankees.

-This club is considered by some to be one of the best teams in Major League Baseball history, if not the best.

-In the World Series, they defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-1.

-They took the first two games at Wrigley Field, lost Game 3 at Shibe Park and then won the last two also at Shibe Park.

6. 1930 Philadelphia Athletics

-Once again managed and owned by Connie Mack and led by the same core group of stars, the A's finished with a record of 102-52, eight games better than the second place Washington Senators in the American League.

-The won the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals in six games, taking Games 5 and 6, after the series was tied 2-2 after four games. This would be the last World Series Championship for the Philadelphia version of the Athletics. 

7. 1947 Philadelphia Warriors

-Coached by Eddie Gottlieb and led by center Joe Fulks, the Warriors finished with a record of 35-25, which was second in the Basketball Association of America's (now called National Basketball Association) Eastern Division. 

-The won in the BAA Quarterfinals over the St. Louis Bombers 2-1, BAA Semifinals over the New York Knicks 2-0 and in the BAA Finals over the Chicago Stags 4-1. 

-They were the first champions in league history. 

8. 1948 Eagles

-Coached by Earle "Greasy" Neal, the Eagles were led by Steven Van Buren, Tommy Thompson and Pete Pihos

-They finished 9-2-1 and first in the Eastern Division

-They faced the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL Championship Game at Shibe Park in a blizzard and won 7-0 on Steve Van Buren's lone touchdown

9. 1949 Eagles

-Led once again by Greasy Neal and the same group of the players, the 1949 Eagles finished 11-1 (first in the Eastern Division) 

-They repeated as NFL Champions defeating the Los Angeles Rams 14-0 in the rain in L.A. Steve Van Buren ran for 196 yards, which stood as an NFL Championship Game record for 40 years

10. 1956 Philadelphia Warriors

-Coached by George Senesky and led by Paul Arizin, Neil Johnston and Tom Gola, the Warriors went from worst to first in a span of one season, finishing 45-27 and first in the NBA's Eastern Division 

-The won the Eastern Division finals against the Syracuse Nationals 3-2 and the NBA Finals against the Fort Wayne Pistons 4-1

11. 1960 Eagles

-Coached by Buck Shaw and led by Norm Van Brocklin, Tommy McDonald and Chuck Bednarik, the 1960 Eagles weren't considered contenders at first

-They got demolished in their first game of the season versus the Cleveland Browns and then barely beat the expansion and eventually winless Cowboys of 1960 the very next week due to two missed extra points by Dallas

-But, they somehow came together, overcame all the negativity towards them and went 10-2 to win the Eastern Division

-This is the year the Eagles really became popular in town. In the second meeting against the Browns, they upset them in Cleveland, causing of wave of new interest in the Eagles.

-In the 1960 NFL Championship Game against Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers at Franklin Field the day after Christmas, the Eagles offense was dismal, but still managed to win in a fourth quarter comeback 17-13. Chuck Bednarik made the final tackle to end the game.

-This is also the season Bednarik put that vicious hit on Frank Gifford at Yankee Stadium

12. 1967 76ers

-Coached by Alex Hannum and led by Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Luke Jackson, Chet Walker, Wali Jones and Billy Cunningham, they went 68-13 and finished first in the Eastern Division

-In the playoffs, they defeated the Cincinnati Royals in the Semifinals 3-1 and dethroned the 9-time defending Boston Celtics in the Conference Finals 4-1. This left the 76ers fans chanting "BOSTON'S DEAD! BOSTON'S DEAD! BOSTON'S DEAD!"

-In the NBA Finals, they defeated the San Francisco Warriors 4-2

-Until the Chicago Bulls won 72 games in 1996, they held the best record in NBA history and still to this day, they are argued as the best team ever to play

13. 1974 Flyers

-Coached by Fred Shero and led by Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Gary Dornhoefer, Joe Watson, Rick MacLeish, Bernie Parent and many others, the Flyers finished 50-16-12 

-In the playoffs, they swept the Atlanta Flames and defeated the New York Rangers in seven games in the Conference Championship (each game was won by the home team)

-In the Stanley Cup Finals, they faced the heavily favored Boston Bruins. They Flyers took a 3-1 series lead after the first four games, dropped Game 5 in Boston, then came back to the Spectrum for Game 6

-Kate Smith, the Flyer's good luck charm, made a rare in person appearance to the Spectrum to sing God Bless America

-The Flyers won 1-0 on a first period goal by MacLeish and stellar goaltending by Parent

-Bernie Parent won the Conn Smythe Trophy and Vezina Trophy

-Fred Shero won the Jack Adams Award

-The 1974 Flyers were the city's first Championship Parade and according to many, 2 million people attended

14. 1975 Flyers

-Coached and led by the same guys, with the addition of Reggie Leach, the Flyers went 51-18-11

-In the playoffs, they swept the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round (first round bye) and beat the New York Islanders in seven games to go to the Stanley Cup Finals

-In the finals, they faced the Buffalo Sabres, won the first two games at home, dropped Games 3 and 4 in Buffalo, won Game 5 convincingly at home and then closed it out in Buffalo in Game 6

-Bernie Parent once again won the Conn Smthye and Vezina Trophies and Bobby Clark won the Hart Memorial Trophy

-It was said that even more people showed up to the '75 Parade

15. 1980 Phillies

-Managed by Dallas Green and led by Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton, the 1980 Phillies finished 91-71 and defeated the Montreal Expos by one game in the NL East. However, they without question underachieved for most of the year and it took a club house scolding by General Manager Paul Owens to get this team playing good ball in September. 

-This was  a team that did not really like each other very much and especially had issues with Green. But, that is what makes them so special.

-In the NLCS, they faced off against the Houston Astros. This series, to this day, is one the most intense League Championship series in the history of baseball. The Phils won Game 1 at the Vet, but dropped Game 2 in extra innings the next night. It was a game that they had a chance to win in the bottom of the ninth, but blew it when Third Base Coach Lee Elia held up right fielder Bake McBride at third because he thought he was going to get thrown out at home. 

-In Houston, the Astros won Game 3 in extra innings, the Phils won Game 4 in extra innings and Game 5 in extra innings (after being down three runs in the eighth to Nolan Ryan and blowing a 7-5 lead in the ninth). The series was absolutely awesome.

-In the World Series against the favored Kansas City Royals, the Phils took Games 1 and 2 at the Vet (came from behind in both), dropped Games 3 and 4 in Kansas City, won Game 5 in KC (after being down in the top of the ninth and facing Dan Quisenberry) and won Game 6 at the Vet behind the great pitching of Steve Carlton. In the ninth inning of Game 6, Tug McGraw, who was having a great season, loaded the bases with one out, but the next two outs came by a crazy foul out from Frank White and a strikeout to Willie Wilson. 

-Schmidt won the NL MVP that year and the Word Series MVP. Carlton was the Cy Young Award.
-The 1980 Phillies Parade was also a joyous celebration.

16. 1983 76ers

-Coached by Billy Cunningham and led by Julius Erving and Moses Malone, the 76ers finished 65-17, which was first in the Atlantic Division

-Before the playoffs, Malone said they were going to go "Fo', Fo', Fo'." 

-Well, after a first round bye, they swept the New York Knicks in four games and then defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals, but in five games

-In the NBA Finals, they faced the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that beat them in 1980 and 1982 for the championship. However, this time around, the 76ers had Malone and swept the Lakers in four games to win the crown. At one point in the series, Cunningham said, "We want to end it in four.We want someone to remember this team."

-Malone was the Finals and League MVP that season

-The 1983 76ers Parade was another joyous celebration

17. 2008 Phillies

-Managed by Charlie Manuel and led by Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Brad Lidge and many others, the Phillies finished 92-70, winning the NL East by three games over the New York Mets

-This team had great chemistry and really liked Manuel

-In the playoffs, they beat the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS in four games and defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS in five games to go to their first World Series since 1993

-In the World Series against the cinderella Tampa Bay Rays, the Phillies took Game 1 in Tampa, dropped Game 2 in Tampa and won the next three Games at Citizens Bank to end the city's 25 year championship drought

-In Game 5, it started to rain extremely hard and the game had to be suspended after 5 1/2 innings with the score tied at 2-2

-In the resumption of Game 5 two nights later, the crowd was revved up more than ever and the Phils won 4-3

-Brad Lidge got the save and finished perfect in save chances for the 2008 regular season and post-season, going 48 for 48

-This left the city in a frenzy as the quarter-long century drought for all four teams and the 28-year drought for the Phillies ended.

-And then, of course, the 2008 Phillies Championship Parade was probably the most joyous, appreciated and needed one to date.

I finally got all of the initial Info Sessions done! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Oh yeah, one note, just because the 2008 Phillies is the longest doesn't mean they were the best team. They might be, but that is up to you because the other teams are very worthy as well. The only reason the 2008 Phillies is the longest is because there is the most multimedia on them and that is obviously because their championship is the most recent in our city. 

Anyway, stay tuned for the Wild Card Balloting and Tie Breaker Balloting. Keep voting. The amount of people who voted already is awesome. Keep it up guys!

Yesterday Was Crazy...

...between more midterms at Ithaca College and trying to finish the Info Sessions (WHICH I WILL GET DONE TODAY EVEN IF I HAVE TO STAY UP ALL NIGHT) that some key news and scores were missed being reported. So, here we go.

On Wednesday, the Phillies, behind the stellar pitching of Cole Hamels, a.k.a. Big H, defeated team Canada 9-2.

However yesterday, behind the not so stellar pitching of Kyle Kendrick, the Phillies loss to team USA 9-6.

The Eagles traded Greg Lewis to the Patriots for an undisclosed pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Lewis is the first player in the past two weeks that I am not upset is leaving.

And with the Flyers, they lost to the Flames 5-1 last night at the Wachovia Center. Antero Nittymaki let in four first period goals (get Marty in there!). Oh yeah...and Danny Briere hurt his groin again (and the sky is blue...what else is new). But, he says it is not as bad as he thought it was and feels he is day-to-day.

We'll see if that remains true. 

***ALL-PHILLY TEAM*** Info Session Part 8

These are the places we watch our heroes play in.

1. Recreation Park (Phillies)

-The Phillies first home

-Phils played here from 1883 to 1886

-Located by 23rd Street, Ridge Avenue, 25th Street and Columbia Avenue (which is now Cecil B. Moore Avenue)

2. Columbia Park (Philadelphia Athletics)

-The A's played here from 1901 to 1908

-The A's won the 1902 and 1905 AL Pennant while calling this park home

-Held 9,500 people

-On the block of N. 29th St., Columbia Avenue (now Cecil B. Moore Avenue), N. 30th Street and Oxford Street 

3. Baker Bowl (Phillies/Eagles)

-Phillies played here from 1887 to 1938 and Eagles played here from 1933 to 1935

-The 1915 Pennant winning Phillies played here

-Held as much as 20,000 people

-Right field fence was only 280 feet from home plate

-Located on N. Broad St., W. Huntingdon St., N. 15th St. and W. Lehigh Avenue

4. Connie Mack Stadium/Shibe Park (Philadelphia Athletics/Phillies/Eagles)

-The A's played here from 1909 to 1954

-The Phillies played here fr0m 1938 to 1970

-The Eagles played here during 1940 and from 1942 to 1957

-Home to all of the A's World Series and Pennant Winners

-Home to the Phillies 1950 Pennant Winner

-Home to the 1948 and 1949 Championship Eagles and hosted the 1948 NFL Championship Game in a major snow storm

-At one point, the center field fence was 515 feet from home plate

-Held as many as 33,608 people

-On the corner of 21st Street and Lehigh Avenue 

-Is still beloved even by people today

5. JFK Stadium/Philadelphia Municipal Stadium (Eagles)

-The Eagles played here from 1936 to 1940

-Holds up to 100,000 people

-The Wachovia Center is in its exact spot today

-The 1980 Phillies ended their parade route there

6. Philadelphia Civic Center/Philadelphia Arena (Philadelphia Warriors/76ers)

-Actually, these are two different venues. The picture below is of the Civic Center. Due to the mishap, whatever votes this particular choice gets will count as votes for both venues. 

-This picture is it getting demolished in 2005

-The Philadelphia Warriors played here from 1952 to 1962

-The 76ers played here from 1963 to 1967

-Home for the Warriors when they won the Championship in 1956

-Home for the 76ers when they won the Championship in 1967

-Holds 9,600 for basketball

-Located on 3400 Civic Center Blvd. 

***Philadelphia Arena was a part time home for the Warriors, 1946 to 1962, and 76ers, 1963 to 1967. It was located on 4350 Market Street. Once again, any votes that go in this option will go to each venue. 

7. Franklin Field (Eagles)

-Eagles played here from 1958 to 1970

-Won the 1960 NFL Championship in this stadium on the day after Christmas in 1960

-Hold 60,658 for Eagles games

-On S. 33rd and Spruce Streets on the University of Pennsylvania's campus

8. The Spectrum/Corestates Spectrum/First Union Spectrum/Wachovia Spectrum (Flyers/76ers)

-Flyers played here from the 1968 to 1996 seasons

-76ers played here from the 1968 to 1966 seasons

-Home for the Flyers during their 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup Championships, as well as their 1976, 1980, 1985 and 1987 Conference Championships

-Flyers won Game 6 of the 1974 Finals, the clincher, in the Spectrum

-Home for the 76ers during their 1983 Championship and their 1977, 1980 and 1982 Eastern Conference Championships

-Located on South Broad Street in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex

-Holds 17,380 for hockey and 18,136 for basketball

-Known as "America's Showplace"

-The 1976 and 1992 NHL All-Star Games were there

-The 1970 and 1976 NBA All-Star Games were there

9. Veterans Stadium (Phillies/Eagles)

-Phillies played there from 1971 to 2003 and Eagles from 1971 to 2002

-Phillies won the 1980 World Series in this stadium

-Was also home for the Phillies 1976, 1977 and 1978 NL East Division winning years and 1983 and 1993 NL Pennant winning years

-Eagles played here when they won the 1980 NFC Championship 

-The 1976 and 1996 MLB All-Star games were here

-Held 62,306 for baseball and 65,286 for football

-Nicknamed "The Vet"

-Famous for the 700 Level

-One of the most beloved stadiums in city history

-The 76ers 1983 Championship parade route ended here

-Located on South Broad Street in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and one of the Phillies parking lots is in its location

10. Wachovia Center/Corestates Center/First Union Center (Flyers/76ers)

-The 76ers and the Flyers have been playing here since the 1997 season

-Home for the Flyers 1997 Eastern Conference Championship season and 76ers 2001 Championship season. Both of the titles were clinched in the building

-Hosted the 2002 NBA All-Star Game

-Holds 21,600 for basketball and 19,519 for baseball

-Located on South Broad Street in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex

11. Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles)

-Eagles have been playing here since the 2003 season

-Won the 2004 NFC Championship here

-Holds 68,532

-Nicknamed "The Linc"

-Located in the back of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex

12. Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)

-Home for the Phillies since the 2004 season

-Won the 2008 World Series in this ballpark

-Won the 2007 NL East Division in this ballpark

-Nicknamed "The Bank" and "CBP"

-Holds 43,647

-Has many appealing features, such as Ashburn Alley

-Fans are able to watch the game from the concourse 

-The Phillies 2008 Championship parade route ended here

-Located on Citzens Bank Way in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex

One more to go. One more Info Session for the initial voting to go!

***ALL-PHILLY TEAM*** Info Session Part 7

In this post, we learn about the people who bring us these games either on television or radio.

They're voices narrate to us what our heroes do night in and night out. When a memorable play happens, their call goes along with it, making it just as memorable. 

These people are our heroes too, except their greatness takes place off the playing field, rather than on.

1. Bill Campbell (Warriors/Eagles/Phillies/76ers)

-He called play-by-play for Warriors games during their entire existence in Philadelphia, including Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point game

-He called play-by-play for the Eagles from 1952 to 1966, Phillies from 1962 to 1971 and 76ers from 1972 to 1981

-So basically, back in the day, he was the voice of Philadelphia sports

-From 1987 to 1991 he hosted a sports show on 610 WIP

-He currently does guest appearances, voice overs and a weekly commentary on KYW News Radio 1060 AM

-In 2005, the Basketball Hall of Fame awarded him the Curt Gowdy Award

2. Byrum Saam (Philadelphia Athletics/Phillies/Eagles/Philadelphia Warriors)

-In 1938, he started calling Philadelphia Athletics games full time

-The very next season, he joined the Phillies as well and called home games for both teams for 12 seasons

-Although he probably called the most losses ever (between the two teams) at 4,000, his descriptive way of broadcasting allowed him to get the nickname "The Man of a Zillion Words"

-Once away games started to be broadcasted, Saam had to chose one team and he chose the Athletics because of his friendship with Connie Mack. He called A's games until they left town in 1954

-Once the A's left, he joined the Phillies the very next season. Bill Campbell joined him in 1962 and Rich Ashburn in 1963. He called Phillies games all the way up until 1975. 

-Unfortunately, Saam was known for calling a lot of the lean years of both the A's and Phillies. As a matter of fact, after he left in 1975, the Phils won the NL-East Division the very next season. Fittingly for Saam, the Phillies invited him back to call the last half inning of the division clinching game. In a quote by Ashburn, "Thirty-eight years and no winner. Damn right he deserved a title."

-However, while he wasn't around for any winner, he called 13 no-hitters, which including Jim Bunning's perfect game in '64. 

-When not calling baseball, he called the Philadelphia Warriors and Eagles, including Chamberlain's 100 point game.

-In 1990, he received the Ford Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame for excellence in broadcasting

-Like Campbell, Saam was one of the key voices in the city back in the day

3. Rich "Whitey" Ashburn (Phillies)

-Color commentated and did a little play-by-play for Phillies games from 1963 to 1997

-Broadcaster for the Phillies during their 1980 Championship season, 1983 and 1993 Pennant winning seasons and 1976, 1977 and 1978 division winning seasons

-Aslo wrote columns for The Philadelphia Bulletin and the Philadelphia Daily News

-Is one of the most beloved sports figures (player and broadcaster) this town has ever seen

-He is famous for rather than spouting off tons and tons of stats, giving anecdotes about the game here and there and very general analysis

-It is also well noted that he and fellow broadcaster Harry Kalas (1971-present) were tremendous friends

-They're friendship stayed true in the broadcast booth and that made them what is considered to be one of the best if not the best broadcast duo in the history of sports

-When he made the Hall of Fame as a player in 1995, over 25,000 fans migrated up to Cooperstown for the ceremony because he was so liked in town

-Unfortunately, "Whitey" died of a heart attack on September 9, 1997 after calling a Phillies win against the Mets at Shea Stadium

-Because of his playing days, but also his broadcast years, hundreds and hundreds of fans came to his viewing at Fairmount Park to pay their respects to "Whitey" 

-He is now honored by having Citizens Bank Park's center field concourse area named after him. Ashburn Alley is one of the most popular places at the ballpark. As a matter of fact though, a lot of fans wanted the ballpark to be named after him

4. Harry Kalas (Phillies)

-Has called play-by-play with the Phillies since 1971 and is currently signed through the end of this upcoming season

-At first, since he replaced the very popular Bill Campbell, he was not received well, but as we all know, that quickly changed

-He has been the broadcaster for both their 1980 and 2008 Championships, their 1983 and 1993 NL Pennants and their 1976, 1977, 1978 and 2007 NL East Division Championships

-He is famous for his energetic calls and baritone voice, considering the fact he has done voice over for NFL Films since 1975

-As mentioned earlier, was great friends with Rich Ashburn and the two made a great pair together

-He was the master of ceremonies for the opening and closing of Veterans Stadium

-His signature call is "OUTTA HERE!!!" for home runs

-Received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002

-Their is a restaurant at Citizens Bank Park named after him. It's called "Harry the K's."

5. Dave Zinkoff (Philadelphia Warriors Public Address Announcer/Phillies Public Address Announcer/76ers Public Address Announcer)

-Public address announcer at one point for the Philadelphia Warriors, Phillies and most notably, the 76ers (Entire time the Warriors were in Philly and right from the 76ers start in 1963)

-Public address announcer for the Warriors 1947 and 1956 Championship seasons

-Public address announcer for the 76ers 1967 and 1983 Championship seasons and their 1977, 1980 and 1982 Conference Championship seasons

-He was the PA for Phillies games at Shibe Park during the '40s

-He was the Warriors PA announcer until they skipped town

-He was the 76ers PA announcer until his death on Christmas Day 1985

-He was the PA for Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962

-His most famous line is when he would introduce Julius Erving: "From the University of Massachusetts...Captain of the Philadelphia 76ers...No. 6...Julius "The Doctor" Errrrrrrrrrrrvinggggggggg!"

-Exactly three months after his death in '86, his microphone was retired by the 76ers

6. Marc Zumoff (76ers and Flyers)

-Is currently in his 15th season as 76ers television play-by-play man and his 25th as a part of the 76ers broadcast group

-Also called Flyers games for a little bit 

-Play-by-play guy for the 76ers 2001 Eastern Conference Championship team

-Has won Emmy for best sports play-by-play broadcaster 10 times

7. Steve Mix (76ers)

-Color commentated 76ers games on television full-time with Marc Zumoff from the 1995 to 2007 seasons

-Spent 20 full seasons on the 76ers broadcast group, as he only did road games earlier in his broadcasting career 

-Did a short stint of color commentating on the radio with Bill Campbell in 1975 after breaking his ankle in the second half of the season. Yes, he played for the 76ers back in the day. 

-Color commentated during the 76ers 2001 Eastern Conference Championship season

-Him and Zumoff were well regarded and considered a good duo together

-His nickname was "The Mayor" 

-I know Wikipedia did a bad job on his bio. Philadelphia76ersBlog.com and the 76ers Web Site from a handful of years back, do a better job.

8. Tom McGinnis (76ers)

-Has been calling play-by-play for the 76ers on the radio for over a decade

-He was play-by-play man for the 76ers 2001 Eastern Conference Championship team

-Is famous for "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" and "O O BABY!" 

-For most of his 76er broadcaster career, he has been by himself, but for a short stint, former 76er big man Todd MacCulloch joined him for color commentary. MacCulloch stopped after last season.

9. Gene Hart (Flyers)

-Broadcasted Flyers games both on television and radio from the beginning of their existence to the 1995 season

-Broadcasted during their 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup Championships and their 1976, 1980, 1985 and 1987 Conference Championship seasons

-As it is always said, "He taught the Delaware Valley hockey."

-His most famous call game during Game 6 of the 1974 Stanley Cup Finals: "Ladies and gentleman, the Flyers are going to win the Stanley Cup! The Flyers win the Stanley Cup! The Flyers win the Stanley Cup! They Flyers have won the Stanley Cup!"

-His signature line was: "From all of us, to all of you, Gene Hart, Good Night, Good Hockey

-He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997 for being awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

-In 1997, he came out of retirement to broadcast for the Phantoms and called the game when they won the Calder Cup in 1998. He stopped calling Phantoms games at the end of the 1999 season

-Sadly, Gene Hart died due to a multitude of illnesses on July 14, 1999

-His daughter Lauren Hart, sings the National Anthem and occasionally God Bless America with a video recording of Kate Smith during every Flyers home game

-He is in the Flyers Hall of Fame

10. Jim Jackson (Flyers)

-Has been doing Flyers play-by-play for first radio and then television from the 1994 season to today

-He was doing television play-by-play during the Flyers 1997 Eastern Conference Championship season

-He also does pregame and postgame radio shows for the Phillies

11. Tim Saunders (Flyers)

-Has been calling play-by-play on the radio for the Flyers since the 1998 season

-He also calls Phantoms games on television

12. Merrill Reese (Eagles)

-He has been calling Eagles games since 1977. At first, he was very briefly a color commentator, shortly after, he went strictly to play-by-play.

-He was the play-by-play announcer when the Eagles won the NFC Championship in 1980 and 2008

-His signature line is "It's Gooooood!" He does that when the Eagles make an extra point or field goal. 

-Along with play-by-play, he also does many other radio like gigs for sports in the Philadelphia area.

-Here is an example of one of his calls:

13. Dan Baker (Phillies and Eagles Public Address Announcer)

-He has been doing PA for the Phillies since 1972 and Eagles since 1985

-He was the PA for the Phillies during their 1980 and 2008 World Series Championships, when the Phillies won the Pennant in 1983 and 1993 and when the won the NL East in 2007

-He was the PA for the Eagles when they won the 2004 NFC Championship and obviously, was the PA for the 2002 and 2003 NFC Championship games as well

14. Andy Musser (Phillies/Eagles/76ers)

-Called play-by-play for the Phillies from 1976 to 2001.

-He called play-by-play during the Phillies 1980 Championship season, 1983 and 1993 NL Pennant seasons and 1976, 1977 and 1978 NL East Division winning seasons.

-He also called Eagles and 76ers games sometimes

-Returned for the Final Innings of the Vet to call the Final Innings Ceremonies on television with Chris Wheeler

15. Chris Wheeler (Phillies)

-Broadcaster for Phillies on television and radio since 1977 and has done both play-by-play and color commentating 

-Broadcaster for 1980 and 2008 Championship seasons, 1983 and 1993 NL Pennant winning seasons and 1977, 1978 and 2007 NL East Division winning season

-His nickname is "Wheels"

I am working really hard to get the last two Info Sessions in tonight. If not, they will definitely be in tomorrow.