News
Gay Phillies, Yankees fans await Game Six by Matthew E. Pilecki
EDGE ContributorTuesday Nov 3, 2009While New York Yankees’ fans were hoping the Bronx Bombers would clinch the World Series last night, the Philadelphia Phillies reminded them a win would not come easily against the defending world champions. The Phillies provided fans with an 8-6 win at home. And they remain one game behind the Yankees as they head into Game Six at Yankee Stadium.
If the Yankees win tomorrow, it will mark the 27th time the team has won the World Series. The Phillies, on the other hand, have only claimed the championship trophy twice--including last year’s battle against the Tampa Bay Rays.
EDGE contacted LGBT softball leagues from both cities to learn how they have coped with the pressure of this year’s nerve wracking World Series. A Yankees’ fan since the 1970’s, Al Messia, director of public relations of Manhattan’s Big Apple Softball League, said he feels the Turnpike Series has caused tension between New York baseball fans.
"When given a choice as to who they are rooting for in the series, the Mets’ fans are more inclined to root for the Phillies primarily because they are a National League Team," Messia said. "Plus, they still hate the Yankees."
"As far as the Phillies go, a fan is a fan. If you are wearing red it doesn’t matter what orientation you are. When we play, we all play to win." Messia split his time between watching the games at home and at Julius Bar on West 10th Street in Manhattan’s West Village, but Cathy Harris, women’s commissioner for Philadelphia’s City of Brotherly Love Softball League, said a highlight of her life was watching the Phillies win the 2008 World Series. Harris said she feels there is no difference between LGBT sports fans and players.
"The gay men wear better shoes," she joked. "As far as the Phillies go, a fan is a fan. If you are wearing red it doesn’t matter what orientation you are. When we play, we all play to win."
EDGE also interviewed patrons at Uncle’s Bar on Locust Street in Philadelphia’s Center City just hours before Game Four. Scott Bauer, a Yankees fan, and his boyfriend Marty Weisberg, a Phillies fan, were among those who came to the bar to watch the game. The Marlton, NJ, couple both said they feel this year’s series will come down to a seventh game. but Bauer and Weisberg’s loyalties certainly differ.
"We are a house in turmoil," Bauer joked. "There was some real tension during game two, but we got over it for the most part."
|
|
|
Email
Print
Share