Pitchers and catchers are reporting in Florida and Arizona for Spring Training this week, which means the baseball season is officially upon us.
And, joining them at their respective training sites, are various improvements and updates to the facilities they’ll use to get their bodies and minds into shape for the season ahead.
To that end, the rebuilding Phillies did some work at their facilities in Clearwater, Florida, designed to amp up the youthful collection of talent that they undoubtedly hope will lead the way to the next wave of competitive seasons.
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Except … does this look familiar to anyone:
Phillies redecorated the hallway leading into the clubhouse at Spectrum Field. pic.twitter.com/7KN8i5CVq0
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) February 14, 2017
If you’re unfamiliar with Tug McGraw’s famous directive, in 1973, after long using the phrase, he shouted “ya gotta believe” in a clubhouse meeting, and it stuck with him and his team.
… his team, the Mets.
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Yes, McGraw didn’t join the Phillies until two years later, although he did use the slogan with his new team.
Still, the Mets may not be impressed by the Phillies’ new digs:
https://twitter.com/Mets/status/831578538063060993
https://twitter.com/The7Line/status/831514973381730304
The question now: were the Phillies simply using a great line from a long-time player … or were they maybe, just maybe, also trying to troll a divisional opponent in the process?
I choose to believe the latter, because it’s much more fun.