Yesterdays Winter Classic Flyers verses Rangers Alumni Game gave the world another opportunity to see the real class of the Philly sports fans. Many bad things have been written over the years about the “Best Fans in Sports in America” in a negative way but the love affair for five decades of hockey showed bright at Citizens Bank Park. From Parent and Clarke to Lindros and LeClair to Recchi and Tochett it was truly a special day highlighted by the Lauren Hart and Kate Smith singing God Bless America. It was truly an electric celebration at The Bank.

Over the years I’ve seen some of the bad, I was actually an 8-year-old kid at Franklin Field when the fans threw snowballs at Santa Claus. I was there when a mannequin of Joe Kuharik was hung from the upper deck and planes flew over the stadium pulling “Joe Must Go” signs. Those things really did happen! I was also at The Vet when WE threw snowballs at Jimmy Johnson and the hated Cowboys. I saw the signs that said “Paul the Pope and Danny the Dope” in the late 70’s referencing Paul Owens and Danny Ozark of the Phillies. More importantly I’ve been at every venue in this city over the last 45 years and have seen the passion and knowledge that makes Philly fans the best. When it’s all said and done, what separates Philly fans from the rest is that they recognize greatness in the game and the players whether they are our players (Clarke, Dr. J, Schmidt, Carlton, Parent, Bergey, Wilbert, AI, Big E, B-Dawk and on and on)  or our opponents. (Magic, MJ, Kareem, Emmitt, The Great One, Messier, Brady, Montana, Mario)

New Years Eve at The Bank was just the latest opportunity for the Philly fans to show the National and Canadian TV world what it’s like to be “The Greatest Sports Fans in America” and be 1st Class!

LET’S GO FLYERS!!!!