The Phillies came into the 2010 season with high expectations. Their manager, Charlie Manuel, talked about getting back to the World Series and owing the Yankees one. And the players hoped to make history by being the first NL team in 66 years to win three straight pennants.
For now, those plans are on hold. Manuel’s squad entered Thursday’s game trailing the San Francisco Giants 3-1 in the NLCS.
“We know when the season started we had one thing in mind, and that was our goal was — our ultimate goal was to get to the World Series and win,” Manuel said prior to Game 5. “And we know that’s what we’re playing for.”
The Phillies entered the postseason as one of the hottest teams in baseball. They finished with the best record in the majors, at 97-65. They also went a league-best 21-6 in September. For the first time, they were actually the odds-on favorites to win it all.
As Manuel sees it, they have a lot to be proud of this season, even if the dream dies here.
“We led Major League Baseball in wins. That’s the first time in Phillie history,” Manuel said. “That’s got to say something. You just don’t cast those kind of seasons away.”
Still, not winning the World Series would certainly leave a bitter taste in the Phillies’ clubhouse.
“We definitely have done something good this season,” Manuel said. “At the same time, if you go ask our players if something like that happens, I’m sure they’re going to be disappointed.”
