Go Phils!

It was a classic coming of age tale. I dedicated the summer of 1993 to following the Phillies on their road to the World Series. I knew every detail about every player. We subscribed to the pay-channel PRISM so I could watch all the games. I wanted to marry Darren Daulton, who has since completely lost his marbles (I can really pick 'em). The Blue Jays' Joe Carter robbed me of my childhood innocence when he hit that home run. I cried myself to sleep and woke up as a jaded adolescent. I dislike Canada to this day. Toronto is where dreams go to die.

Fifteen years later and half a world away, I am once again the authority on the Phillies and their quest for the World Series championship. My life has come full circle! Nevermind that I haven't watched a game all season. The Kiwis don't know sh*t about baseball and they think I'm from Philadelphia, so I'm regarded as the resident expert.

This guy at work makes a serious effort to talk to to me about the Phillies and the playoffs everyday. This must be what the kids call "flirting," right? I've been known to misinterpret these things, but I see no other explanation in this case because you have to go out of your way to find baseball news/scores from New Zealand. He confuses the American League and the National League, which I find endearing. He uses fancy terms like "runs batted in," which I suspect he learned on the internet. "A" for effort, young Kiwi male! Clearly, this man is madly in love with me.

Thank you, Chase Utley, for bringing me closer to the young Kiwi male. You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself! And Chase - one more thing - do me a solid and please, please, please drag this series out to a full 7 games. My future depends on it.

Special note to Philly readers: I'm relying on you to share insider info on these games so I can continue to impress the Kiwis.