On the surface it’s a difficult time in Philadelphia sports to muster up a lot of animosity. We are the envy of the sporting world.
The Eagles won a Super Bowl with a backup quarterback. They didn’t just beat any old team; they knocked off a dynastic one with arguably the greatest coach and QB ever. Villanova just won its second National Championship in three years. Only Florida and Duke can lay stake to that claim in the last quarter-century. The Sixers have won 14 straight en route to their first 50-win season since 2001, when they went to the NBA Finals with Allen Iverson. The Sixers won 10 total games two seasons ago. TEN! The Phillies are too early into the Kapler era to draw any real conclusions, but their lineup and the addition of Jake Arrieta are certainly reasons for optimism. Last but not least, we have the Flyers. They return to the postseason after a one-year hiatus.
Super Bowl, national championship, playoffs for both winter teams. Where are we?
But it’s who the Flyers are playing that can wash away the good will very quickly. Yes, the stinking Penguins. So let’s provide a little refresher course on why we have sports hate for our stately neighbors to the west.
Sidney Crosby
No doubt he has been the most dominant player in the game when on the ice during his career. He’s won three Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythes, two Hart Trophies, and two Olympic Golds. That’s the short list of his accomplishments. But it’s not his talent, it’s the way he carries himself that brings out the ire in Philadelphia. The face, the whining to the refs, delivering the cheap shot and then running and hiding behind a teammate. He is a great player but he is a world-class crybaby. Here’s hoping “G” goes after him like he did in the first round of the 2012 playoffs.
Barry Bonds
Again, no questioning the ability. Bonds was a great player, pre and post special vitamins. But a bigger jerk, you will not find. Whether it was treatment of the fans, run-ins with managers, coaches, teammates, the cream and the clear, Bonds was a world class bleep. He broke in as a Pirate in 1986 when his hat size was 7 1/4 and stayed in Pittsburgh until 1992 when he wore I think a 9 1/4.
Primanti Bros Sandwich
I get it this might sound odd considering we are the city that made scrapple famous. But have you ever had a Primanti Brothers sandwich? If you haven’t, spare yourself. Here’s what it’s made of:
NFL
Italian Bread, Capicola ham, coleslaw, Provolone cheese, fries, tomatoes, mayonnaise, among other variations … Yummy, huh?
The Steelers
This one admittedly is more jealousy than hate. For a city with a population nearly five times smaller than Philadelphia, Pittsburgh owns six Super Bowl titles. Enough said.
Yinzer
Lastly, there’s the accent. Spend some time in the city or take a listen to Bill Cowher for a couple of minutes and yinz will know what I mean. The Pittsburgh accent makes the Philadelphia accent sound Elizabethan. Hooooagie any one? Ear muffs.