As some of you are aware, for several years I was blessed to write a bi-weekly column online entitled "Connect the Dots." I say blessed because it occurred at some of the heady times in Phillie history so there was always lots to write about and well read because of that. Why am I mentioning this now?
Because one of the columns I wrote entitled "Their Place in History" was written right before the Phils were to face the Yankees in the 2009 World Series. As residing 2008 champs, it was my opinion that should the Phils defeat the mighty Yankees in '09, no less than 4 Phils...Utley, Howard, Rollins and manager Charlie Manuel would have a large leg up on an eventual HOF induction. The Hall is a hodge podge of personalities and talents but to combine two...sustained excellence with all time winning...is a wonderful resume for HOF induction.
At the time, those Phillies were all at the top of their games. Howard was the preeminent power hitter in the game and a supreme clutch performer. Utley was the blood and guts of that group and Rollins was the unquestioned leader of this supremely talent club. Manuel, who I affectionately commandeered what I called The Good Ship Chollypop [his nickname was Cholly], would have been a two time World Series winner, and had already build a solid backdrop of success in Cleveland. I still feel this way.
Unfortunately, they blew a 3-0 lead in the pivotal Game 3 and lost the series in 6 games. They then were upset in 2010 and 2011 and with the career altering injuries in Game 5 of the '11 series to Halladay and Howard, that amazing era was over.
And likely the HOF chances of all 4. Rollins might get in, he is certainly deserving. Utley is 50-50 but my guess he ranks in that "close but no cigar"category. Howard and Manuel won't get there either, though they will receive their share of votes.
Whats left for those of us who lived and died with the 2007-2011 Phils is a lot of memories, a lot of winning...and a whole lot of "what might have beens."
