Ah, Cole Hamels. I had no idea, shooting you back in March of 2007, that you’d someday be World Series MVP!

And congratulations to all the Phillies!  I’m particularly happy for Jimmy Rollins, though I can’t back it up with my own photos, as well as Hamels, and Ryan Howard.

looking monstrous next to Tek, also March of 2007…

… and looking stylish next to Gentleman Jim Lonborg at the Boston Baseball Writers’ Dinner, January 2007.

I’m happy for the Phillies, and for Philly in general, and for a couple of friends of mine who are devoted Phillies fans, and I raise a glass to all of you!

But I also toast the Rays.  I’m still growling and grumbling about Boston fans dissing Rays fans, but I’ve already griped about that so I’ll pass on it here.  It was a terrific season for the Rays, and there’s little shame in losing in the World Series.  Congratulations to Joe Maddon and his team; we’ll see you on Opening Day at Fenway in April!