The Ebb and Flow

As mentioned in the 2009 top ten, last year I started following the Phillies. I was looking for some colours to sport to make me feel a bit closer to the Fightin’s while watching ESPN coverage at two in the morning and on hunting around the web, I came across Birdland.

I thought I’d do a little promo for this site on here for my UK fans. This is a kind of 2010 Birdland wants list, so feel free to contact me for me address so you can send me sweet merch (and someone get me the 2009 WS knit hat as it’s fucking freezing).

This one’s for Scott Eyre and Brett Myers.

1. UNCLE CHOLLY HAS A POSSE

Buy me this and we’re best mates instantly. I’ve wanted this since I saw it but the Young James black flag rip and Phillies No.1 took precedence. Grey crewnecks are cool enough. Add a Shephard Fairey inspired print of Charlie Manuel and you’re quids in guaranteed to get my attention. Sweet merch.

2. BASEBALL HEAVEN

This just plain works. Outlined CBP Liberty Bell on it. Phillies red. Sorted. Sweet Merch.

3. I’M WITH DUBEE

Yes! Phillies pitching coach, Rich Dubee in play-on-words association with marijuana cigarettes. Amazing.

4. PANAMANIA

It’s Chooch – the Phillies Panamanian catcher. The man put his back into the post-season. I think he made something like one error and then also got a dressing down from Pedro Martinez for chatting to A-Rod. Mix his image with one of the greatest WWF wrestlers of the 80s (behind Jake the Snake and Randy Savage) and you’re on to an Andre Winner. Sweet Merch.

5. PSYCHEDELIC DOOB

Shit on me! Birdland out do themselves by taking the magic of “I’m with Dubee” [spliff, spliff] and whacking it on to a tie-dyed t-shirt. This is truly the next level. Chris Curran saw this and immediately backed the Phillies. I’m stunned by the brilliance of this. If only Watford fans would produce something as amazing (that said, someone did a Graham Taylor shirt so it’s not all bad). WOOT!

Honourable mentioned need to go to the following designs,

• Harry Kalas tribute – I’m not going to try and act old school, this guy meant a lot to a lot of the hardened Phils fans. Fair play to them for honouring is memory.
• Fuck Yeah, Jimmy – a defining moment of the 2009 NLDS.
• Pay-Dro – first game I watched was a 8 inning shutout of the Mets by Pedro so despite his shaky 2009, this shirt needs mentioning.

Sweet merch. Now go buy me some.