I recently rediscovered a favorite past time from my youth. As a youngster, I was a devout Philadelphia Phillies fan, particularly during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, which included a World Series run against the Toronto Blue Jays. I clearly remember the day I got the autograph of my favorite player, center fielder Lenny Dykstra. It was such a momentous event that I wrote essays for school about the experience. As a softball player myself those days, I tried to emulate Lenny‘s stance every time I stepped up to the plate.

This summer, I have rediscovered America’s favorite past time with vigor, purchasing a partial season ticket package for the Phillies this year. And, it has been a great season for my rediscovery. The Phils were off to a strong season, standing strong at number 1 for most of the season. While a few series against the American League were less than stellar, the Phils recently swept the Braves and struggled against the Mets. But, the last 3 games I went to at Citizens Bank Park (a wonderful new stadium that harkens back to stadiums of the past), were sold-out. The energy in the stadium is exciting.

And my favorite player? Well, of course, once again, it is the center fielder, Shane Victorino, also known as the Flying Hawaiian. Recent trade talks have left me very upset. But the entire Phillies team this season are wonderful to watch and so many of them are truly great ball players, like Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth. And, of course, the 33-year-old rookie, Chris Coste.

While I have always been a Phillies fan at heart and followed their progress, attending the games this season, watching them on TV and getting to know the team again has made this a stellar summer. Another great blast from the past!

-Kimberly Krol, circulation and public relations executive