The Great Philly Cheesesteak Debate: Baseball Teams?!
Ah, Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks that could feed a family, and... how many baseball teams does it REALLY have? Buckle up, comrades, because this is a question that's trickier than a double steal with a rogue hot dog vendor blocking third base.
Currently Crushing Dingers: The Philadelphia Phillies
Let's get the obvious out of the way. The Philadelphia Phillies are the undisputed kings (and queens!) of the diamond in Philly today. Founded in 1883 (that's practically ancient in baseball years!), they're the oldest single-city, single-name franchise in all of professional American sports. Bold respect.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
These guys have brought home the World Series trophy twice (1980 and 2008), which is no small feat. Plus, their fight song, "High Hopes," is basically guaranteed to get stuck in your head for, well, you get the idea.
Ghosts of Broad Street: A Look Back in Time
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
But here's where things get interesting. Philly has a rich baseball history, and it wasn't always a one-team town. Back in the day, the city boasted a few other teams that have since faded into the sepia-toned pages of the record books. We're talking about the Philadelphia Athletics (who later moved to Oakland), the Philadelphia White Stockings (not to be confused with the Chicago White Sox, those sly devils!), and even a short-lived team called the Centennial (apparently, celebrating 100 years of something just wasn't enough).
Fun Fact: Did you know that Philadelphia was also a hub for African-American baseball teams in the pre-integration era? Teams like the Excelsiors and the Pythians were powerhouses in their own right, leaving an undeniable mark on the sport's history.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
 |
 |
| How Many Baseball Teams Does Philadelphia Have |
So, How Many Teams Does That Make?
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
If you're a stickler for the "currently playing" rule, then the answer is a clear one – the Philadelphia Phillies. But if you're a baseball history buff who appreciates a good throwback jersey, then Philly's got a more expansive story to tell.
Here's the short score:
- Currently: 1 (Philadelphia Phillies)
- Historically: A handful (including the Phillies, Athletics, White Stockings, Centennial, and several African-American teams)
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You're Curious)
- How to impress a Phillies fan? Learn the lyrics to "High Hopes" (and maybe bring some Tastykakes).
- How to avoid a cheesesteak fight? Respect the cheese whiz vs. provolone debate (it's a personal choice, people!).
- How to celebrate a Phillies win? Join the joyous chaos on Broad Street (but maybe wear some padding, just in case).
- How to learn more about Philly baseball history? The Phillies website has a great archive section, and there are some fantastic museums in the city that delve into the sport's local legacy.
- How to get the best cheesesteak in Philly? That, my friend, is a question for the ages (and maybe a different blog post entirely).
 |
