LOS ANGELES – Momentum might be on the Phillies’ side, but history most definitely is not.
The Phillies head to the World Series riding the high of an easier-than-expected five game decision over the Dodgers in the NLCS but carrying heavy historical baggage.
In their 105-year history, the Phillies have won just one world championship in five tries (1980 over the Royals) and are making their first visit to the Fall Classic in 15 years.
Add to that the city of Philadelphia’s well-chronicled angst at not having won a major pro sports title of any kind since the NBA 76ers in 1983, and it’s clear the Phillies will be fighting a lot of demons in the coming weeks.
As the bubbly flowed freely in their giddy clubhouse at Dodger Stadium late Wednesday night after a series-clinching 5-1 win, the Phillies said that history wouldn’t be an obstacle.
“That’s what’s good about this team: We do a great job of blocking out distractions and working together,” right fielder Jayson Werth said. “We don’t worry about history.”
What’s in the Phillies’ control is a formidable group of starters and an even more potent bullpen, both of which were the difference in both the NLDS against the Brewers and in the NLCS.
Left-hander Cole Hamels lived up to his billing as the Phillies’ ace, earning NLCS MVP honors with a terrific effort that saw him go 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in the series. Hamels also is 3-0 in the postseason after stifling the Dodgers for seven innings Wednesday, allowing just one run.
The bullpen, meanwhile, has gone from the most-maligned aspect of the Phillies’ roster the past two years to a strength this season, especially in the playoffs.
Philadelphia relievers allowed just two runs in 182/3 innings in the NLCS, and closer Brad Lidge remained perfect. Lidge has now converted 49 consecutive saves dating to the end of last season, when he was with Houston, and is 5-for-5 in the postseason.
Middle reliever Ryan Madson also was a sensation in the NLCS, pitching five innings of scoreless, four-hit ball.
The Phillies’ hitting depth also was on display in the NLCS as Philadelphia took the series in five games despite mostly invisible showings by reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins and this year’s likely NL MVP Ryan Howard.
The pair didn’t really come through until the fifth and final game, when Rollins led off the game with a homer, but the Phillies still cruised because of unexpectedly clutch contributions from players such as Shane Victorino and Matt Stairs.
“That’s the first thing you notice about us, is that there’s always somebody waiting to pick everybody else up,” Rollins said.
At the same time, a sorry history of postseason success isn’t the only headwind the Phillies will face in the World Series. Because of Billy Wagner’s blown save in the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, the AL will have home field advantage in the best-of-seven series.
An NL team also has won just one of the past four World Series (the Cardinals in 2006).
“People can count us out all they want because of history and all that,” Rollins said. “People have been counting us out all year, and look where we are now.”