As a fan, I tend to lean towards the emotional rather than the rational, and I'm probably not alone in feeling like often these contests between two teams feel like a battle between the good guys and the bad guys. In my head, at least, the Phils are the hardworking, steadfast heroes, and the other team gets vilified. I think everyone probably likes feeling that their team deserves to win, both as players and as people, and sometimes the storylines that develop over a season or a series can support that good vs. bad feeling (ahem, K-Rod).  

That said, not every fan is lucky enough to get to root for one of the without-a-doubt, truly good guys, so I'd like to say: Mike Sweeney, it's been a privilege to cheer for you these past few months. 

You loved our clubhouse from the start, and we loved you right back. But it wasn't just the hugs, or the revelation that you were this nice a guy to Ryan Howard back when you were an all-star and he was just getting started, or the trip to Walter Reed. It's clear to anyone that you love the game and that you're a true team player, but it's the incredible amount of heart that you clearly put into everything that makes you greater than the sum of all these parts.

Sweeney, you really stood out as a good guy on a team full of good guys--I wish we'd gotten to cheer you at bat in the NLCS, but I am holding out hope that I'll have the chance to have that privilege next year. If it doesn't work out that way, I know that you won't soon be forgotten in Philly. Every time our guys celebrate with a hug, we'll be thinking of you.

(Note: This is not to disparage the rest of the team--but after last night I just needed to say something about Sweeney specifically.)