The Dragon from the North has been slayed. San Diego Padres fans have been waiting for this moment for a long time. The Dodgers had their number, especially this season. They looked invincible. I heard it every year while living in San Diego for 22 years. "Small market team." Something changed during post season. First it was the Mets, a team that had all the attributes of past World Series Champions. They had home field advantage for the Wild Card series and the underdog Padres needed their best effort to win. They delivered on the road. Then it was the Dodgers, 111 game winners of the regular season. The 1-1 split on the road seemed unlikely for the underdog Padres. It set up two opportunities to play at home in Petco Park for fans hungry for a miracle.
Perhaps it was the confused duck/goose hybrid that plopped onto the field during game two in Dodger stadium foreshadowing a change in the too familiar migration path to the World Series Championship. The pundits pretty much gave the ring to these seemingly unstoppable players from the north. Not this year. Nope. The Braves won't be there either. One thing is guaranteed. There will be an underdog in the arena for bragging rights. That's because the Phillies did just what the Padres did last night – slay a dragon. They face off to see which underdog will represent the National League in the World Series.
I would like to thank the San Diego Padres for the joy they have brought to fans near and far. We live in an area where the Cubs are most beloved. I like the Cubs too. The Padres are my first love. My family kept the faith even in the darkest years. Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman are our past heroes. Now we have new heroes. Others may call them underdogs. We call them champions. They are seeking championship rings. 8 more w's will grant them their wish. Never rule out the underdogs. They have something to prove. Good luck, Padres. Have a great day.
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