I started really paying attention to the Phillies (and sports in general) around 1985-86. I was alive for the 1980 and 1983 World Series, but too young to remember them. This, however, is what I do remember.
That's a whole lot of horrific seasons. Seasons like this were the norm. With the exception of 1993, the Phillies finished less than 10 games out of first place once. Right before Charlie got here, the team was getting better, but without Wild Card Phever, those seasons wouldn't have been that interesting.
There can be an endless debate as to if the managers or the players get the credit. The fact is that it's both. Charlie had some incredible talent, but he had to orchestrate it. He did this:
Being born at a time that makes me too young to remember the late 70's/early 80's great Philly sports teams that won and played for championships. I do remember lots of losing and agony. Charlie's teams ended that. Watching his teams play were the most fun I've had watching baseball since 1993. The fact that the Phillies were truly exciting for so many years in a row was a gift. We got spoiled and the man that deserves a lot of the credit is unceremoniously gone.
Yesterday, I spent the second half of the day deeply saddened at Charlie's firing. He was done wrong. I was so upset that my non-sports watching wife, Mrs. Phan, told me "I'm sorry" and she actually got mad about Charlie getting fired.
I fully expect Charlie to manage another club next year. Since I hate all teams that aren't from Philly, I won't be rooting for him. But, I won't be necessarily be rooting against him either (unless he manages the Mets). Thanks for all of those great seasons, Charlie. I (we) love you!
