So the culmination of my sports, personal and professional life came to an amazing crescendo tonight!  As the Phillies clinched their second straight NLCS, I was on the field.  Actually that is not 100% true.  I was in the tunnel when they clinched.  As per MLB, press is not allowed on the field for another 10 minutes after the game ends.  So after waiting the required 10, I was able to be on the field as the National League Trophy was presented to the Phillies.  I got some amazing shots that you can see in this gallery.  (2009 NLCS Trophy Presentation at Citizens Bank Park.)  In another stroke of luck, my life long friend, TJ was in the crowd.  He was able to sneak down to the rail and I gave him my camera for the ONLY shot of me that exists for all the NLCS/NLDS access I have been fortunate enough to have.

If I said it once, I have said it a million times.  The Phillies are a loose bunch, that legitimately like playing with and for each other.  I don’t think there is a player on the team that would not take a bullet for manager Charlie Manuel.    You can see their fondness for one another and confidence in the NLCS Game 5 pre-game warm up photos I shot.   I will be interested to see if they look as loose against the Yankees.  My hunch?  Absolutely…

Prediction?  Phils in 5 and I am on the field seeing another Trophy being presented!