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The Phillies were established in 1883 as members of the National League. They currently play in the NL East Division. For an old franchise the Phillies have had only mild success in the MLB. Until last season their sole World Series victory was won in 1980. They hold eight NL East division titles and six National League Pennants.
The 2008 season for the Phillies was nothing but historic as they won their 2nd World Series in franchise history. The last time they made it to the final round was in 1993 where they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in six games. After their '93 season the Phillies would not find themselves back in the playoffs for another fourteen years.
In 2007 they advanced to the NLDS, only to lose three games straight to the Colorado Rockies in a season ending sweep. They would not be down and out for long knowing they would be right back in the playoffs next season with their all-star cast of infielders Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard, along with lefty ace Cole Hamels. In their 2008 World Series run they defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. They met the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series and beat them out in five games, winning their 2nd World Series title in their 126 years as a franchise. Cole Hamels was named series MVP.
With all of their big name players back for next season, Philadelphia should stay as one of the top teams in the league. The 2008 Champs are hungry for another title as they make their way into 2009.
Image by Flickr user andrewbartlett
