Fly! Eagles, Fly!

I work with three women who live in New Jersey. Two have lived there all their lives, one grew up in Philly, and now lives there. Only one of the lifers is a Giants fan, the other two: Eagles Fans. I (appreciatively) call the Giants' fan "hard-boiled." And I still think it's funny that no one in our office has given her an grief over the Giants' loss to the Eagles last weekend. In fact, no one has even mentioned it in more than hushed tones. [Everyone remembers that I work in a silent office, right?]

Anyways, last weekend's game reminded me of a discussion I got into with a Red Sox fan over New Years. See, he grew up in Worcester, and I grew up outside of Hartford, CT. I know he thinks less of me now, because of my former baseball allegiance (Yankees), but, you people need to understand how it is growing up right smack dab in the middle of Major Sports Rivalries. I'm not gonna cry you a river, I'm just saying. So, I will lay my soul bare, and show you who I supported THEN, and who I support NOW, and I will feel better. You all can do with this information what you will.

THEN:
Baseball: Yankees (Lou Pinella & Reggie Jackson* were my idols - I was an outfielder in softball)
Hockey: Whalers
Basketball: UConn
Football: I didn't watch much back then, but I guess the Pats, though legend has it that my granddad was a Packers fan...

NOW:
Baseball: Phillies
Hockey: Flyers
Basketball: Sixers
Football: Eagles; The founder of the team named them after FDR's "Blue Eagle" program (National Recovery Act - not that other NRA).

It sorta makes it easier when you live in a huge sports market. And when we get our yet-to-be-named professional Soccer team, I will support it AND continue to ogle all the hot soccer players from around the world, an excellent fringe benefit of watching that particular sport.


Well, now we're moving on in the Playoffs, and I'm just hoping we can get past the Cardinals. I worry about the Eagles a lot. I couldn't actually stay IN the room while the game was on last weekend. Only at half time did I go in and watch the highlights from the first half. And then again, at the 2 minute warning in the second half, I felt it was OK to watch. I guess I'm superstitious like that.

"Fly Eagles Fly" EAGLES Fight Song

Fly Eagles Fly, On The Road To Victory.
Fight Eagles Fight, Score A Touchdown 1-2-3.

Hit 'Em Low.
Hit 'Em High.
And We'll Watch Our Eagles Fly.

Fly Eagles Fly, On The Road To Victory.

E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!!

* TANGENT: Speaking of Reggie Jackson, I know many people remember him for his career in Oakland, playing for the A's. Now, this is another team I have a sentimental attachment to. The A's started out in Philadelphia, as the Athletics, based in Connie Mack stadium, from what I gather. And then they moved to Oakland, via Kansas City. Oakland is also a port town, and I just love ports: cranes, water, logistics, and sailors(!) When Angie lived out there, she really got into the A's and her enthusiasm sort of swept over to me.

And then, there's the Raiders fans. [sigh] I LOVE the Raiders fans or "Raider Nation". They remind me of Eagles fans, but MORE-SO. They are So Over the Top that you just gotta love them. And the whole "Chucky" riff - made me laugh!

Hunter S. Thompson, a Raider fan in the last years of his life, wrote,

"The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."