For the first time in five seasons, baseball in Philadelphia is over after the 162-game season. As disappointing as this is, it is a part of what makes baseball such a great game.
It is a natural cycle. Teams like the Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles and Oakland Athletics are in the Postseason. Therefore, others have to be replaced.
The Phillies were not the only team to pass the torch. Not one of the three division winners in the National League in 2011 successfully defended their title. In the American League, while all three division winners defended their titles, the wildcards changed hands.
This passing of the torch offers some unique opportunities. The Orioles and Nationals were both at the bottom of their respective divisions one year ago. Now, there is a possibility they could meet in the World Series.
Last season, the San Francisco Giants and Athletics were both enduring an early offseason. This year, we could see another Battle on the Bay for the World Series.
If you’re one of those people who can’t stay away from baseball even if your favorite team just finished their last game of 2012, here are some teams in which you can place your rooting interest.
The Orioles have former Phillie and fan favorite Jim Thome, making his latest bid at a World Series ring.
The Athletics are writing their own movie script in the same year that the Best Picture nominee “Moneyball” hit theaters. Is this the year Billy Beane finally wins the last game of the season?
Chipper Jones is retiring once the Atlanta Braves’ season comes to an end. What if that was with a World Series championship?
With baseball’s regular season over and first installment of the one-game wildcard being played tonight, baseball is once again opening the book on what should be another memorable October for fans who can’t get enough of the great American game.
Whether you’re rooting for a particular team or not, it’s time to enjoy the best part of the baseball season. The Postseason is here and only time will tell when the next classic gets written.
