A dark cloud hangs low over the city of Philadelphia today. Sports fans are walking with their heads hung low, bags under their eyes from staying up too late. We’re tired, and more importantly, we’re disappointed. The Philadelphia Phillies lost the NLCS. They are not going to the World Series.
Our bats went ice cold while theirs got hot. Our pitching struggled and our headstrong manager refused to change the lineup. So many things contributed to this devastating loss. It hurts to see such a good team slump. It hurts to watch another team celebrate in your ballpark. At the moment, it seems nothing will make it better.
Here we are, on October 25, 2023. Just hours after the Phillies failed to get into the World Series. Right now, we may all be in mourning. But, you have to remember, it was a great season. You also have to remember that it could be worse (would you rather they have lost now or in the World Series for the second year in a row?). We’ve been through worse. It’s disappointing, sure, but we’ve been here.
I’m not here to make promises for the future, nor am I here to explain away all that went wrong. I am here today, instead, to maybe help you out.
Here are some coping strategies for the day after the Philadelphia Phillies lost:
Go On A Walk
Exercise is always a good way to get any icky and unwanted emotions out. Plus, another upside is that we have a pretty decent weather forecast for the next few days. Fresh air will always do you a world of good.
Hang Out With Friends
Try not to talk about the loss, of course. Or do, it may be cathartic to get it out. Being in the company of others helps you not feel so alone during this really disappointing time.
Get Really Into Another Team
The 76ers season is starting up. The Flyers have hit the ice. The Eagles are 6-1. Express your fandom for another team! It’s not the same, I know. And you may fear yet another disappointment. But it’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Eagles play at 1pm on Sunday, by the way. Sixers and Flyers play tomorrow. Life goes on.
Unplug
I personally shut the TV off as soon as that final out hit the outfielder’s glove. You don’t want to see anther team celebrate your team’s loss, so don’t. Avoid social media. Avoid national sports analysis TV shows. Binge-watch a series you really like. Don’t go looking for Phillies content on social media. Don’t wallow in the bad vibes.
Eat Your Favorite Foods
Make today your cheat day. Who cares? Food is yummy. Food makes things better. Fill that Phillies-sized hole in your heart with a cheeseburger or some pasta. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to something that makes you happy. Go ahead. Get the milkshake after dinner.
Remember Good Times
It’s hard, right? But this is how we felt last year, and look at how well this year went! There will always be good times. They have always happened and there are always more to come. They are a good team. We can’t help but love them. They have amazing personalities and are dang good at what they do. Don’t forget those clubhouse celebrations. Our time will come.
