My First Thoughts

Hello there. My name is A.J. Donatoni and I'll be one of the writers here for CuseAdelphia. I'm a sophomore at Syracuse University and a native of Malvern, PA, which is about 45 mintues outside Philadelphia.

As a Philly sports phan for my whole life, I've had my heart ripped out at least once a year. And I haven't lived to see a parade down Broad Street. I'm still waiting for the day, because when it comes, we're going to throw a party like the city has never seen before.

I've only been a fan of SU sports for a couple years now, but the passion that Central/Upstate New York shows for SU lets me realize just how important the teams are to people. The energy at basketball games demonstrates the commitment that the people have for its sports teams, and it's exciting to witness.

Every Philadelphia team holds a place in my heart, and I will be sure to write plenty on each team. My first official post will be a review of the Phillies' offseason thus far and how they measure up to other teams in the NL East. Then, after this Sunday, I will post my thoughts on the Eagles' (maddening) season and what they have to do to return to NFC East supremacy. And seeing how it's hockey and basketball season, there will plenty of Flyers and 76ers posts to follow. For now, I leave you with a list of Philadelphia teams that have made the playoffs but failed to capture the title since I was born. The list is ridiculously long. For those of you keeping score at home, 36 times in all. 11 of those teams made it to at least their sport's conference finals. It's pretty sad.

1988 Flyers
1988 Eagles
1989 Flyers - CONFERENCE FINALS
1989 Eagles
1989 Sixers
1990 Sixers
1990 Eagles
1991 Sixers
1992 Eagles
1993 Phillies - WORLD SERIES
1995 Flyers - CONFERENCE FINALS
1995 Eagles
1996 Flyers
1996 Eagles
1997 Flyers - STANLEY CUP FINALS
1998 Flyers
1999 Flyers
1999 Sixers
2000 Flyers - CONFERENCE FINALS
2000 Eagles
2000 Sixers
2001 Flyers
2001 Eagles - NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
2001 Sixers - NBA FINALS
2002 Flyers
2002 Eagles - NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
2002 Sixers
2003 Flyers
2003 Eagles - NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
2003 Sixers
2004 Flyers - CONFERENCE FINALS
2004 Eagles - SUPER BOWL XXXIX
2005 Sixers
2006 Flyers
2006 Eagles
2007 Phillies

-ajd