Colin Day

Philadelphia, a city renowned for its devotion to its sports teams, but even more famous for its long history of disappointing teams and failures. This makes moments of jubilation, such as winning a world championship, all the more exciting since it’s often achieved after years of struggle and failures that somehow a particular team or player is able to overcome. This list intends to reflect on our greatest moments as Philadelphia sport fans and to appreciate the difficulty of succeeding in a city tainted by loss.

Eagles Win Super Bowl- February 4, 2018

The Eagles first, and only Super Bowl, is not only momentous to Philly fans but to all of football fans as they took down the dominant New England Patriots and Tom Brady. Showing up as massive underdogs, with a backup quarterback and against the greatest football player of all-time, the Eagles’ win perfectly encapsulated the best of Philadelphia; our grit, resilience and refusal to back down.

Eagles Win NFC Championship- January 23, 2005

This game is often overlooked even though it brought the Eagles to their first Super Bowl since 1981. This is because in the previous three years the Eagles lost three straight NFC Championships in what is now recognized as one the biggest all-time catastrophes in sports. Despite not winning the super bowl, this 2005 team and game should be remembered fondly for saving us from a Bills-esque disaster of losing 4 straight.

Phillies Win World Series- October 29, 2008

The Phillies World Series win in 2008 will always be special for Philadelphia fans as it brought the city their first championship, in any sport, in over 25 years. The emotional rollercoaster Philly fans were dragged through over those 25 years(including previously mentioned three straight NFC Championships losses) was not only relieving, but led to an era of dominant Philadelphia sport teams.

Sixers sweep Lakers, May 21-30, 1983

The original Philadelphia sport story of failure and redemption, after losing 3 NBA finals in 6 years the Sixers knew they needed help and signed Philadelphia legend, Moses Malone. The signing proved itself as the Sixers won 12 of 13 playoff games and swept their greatest rivals, the Lakers, in the NBA Finals.

Harper’s NLCS Home-Run, October 23, 2022

Bryce Harper, the reigning MVP, solidified himself as a Philadelphia sports legend when he homered in the bottom of the 8th inning in game 5 of the NLCS.  Down 3-2 as he stepped up to the plate, it seemed to everyone the Phillies were on the verge of yet another historic collapse. Instead, Harper’s clutch home run gave the Phillies the lead and they would go on to win, sending them to the World Series for the first time in over a decade.