Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies emphasize ‘bigger goals’ after securing their playoff berth on Friday night. The team celebrated this achievement with a handshake on the field, treating it like just another regular-season win.
Shortly after, manager Rob Thomson convened the players in the clubhouse for a subdued champagne toast, recognizing their accomplishment while maintaining a sense of focus.
However, the atmosphere was far from wild, with no raucous celebrations or beer showers taking place just yet.
“Pretty calm and relaxed from what it usually turns into,” said All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm, reflecting on the team’s composed demeanor.
Achieving postseason qualification is merely a step towards the ultimate goal of winning the World Series, a reality the Phillies are acutely aware of as they aim for greater heights.
[Related: Phillies +450 to win World Series]
“You look around and see all the talent, you see the front office and the moves they make,” Bohm noted. “At the beginning of the year, this team was built for the playoffs. Staying healthy has been key, and now it’s about maintaining momentum.”
The Phillies solidified their playoff position with a commanding 12-2 victory over the New York Mets.
“It’s hard to go wire-to-wire, and I think our team’s done a great job this whole season,” Harper remarked. “We have bigger goals, but this is a significant moment for us.”
With the division title within reach, the Phillies opted for a subdued celebration, anticipating a more exuberant gathering once they secure first place.
Aiming for their third World Series championship, the Phillies have held the division lead since May 3, never looking back.
Currently, Philadelphia boasts a 92-62 record, tying with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best in Major League Baseball, positioning them for a first-round playoff bye. This marks the third consecutive postseason appearance for the Phillies, following similar runs in 1976-78 and 2007-11.
“Not everyone gets the chance to play for the World Series every year,” Bohm acknowledged. “While we feel this is where we should be, it’s still a noteworthy accomplishment.”
Harper, Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos have been instrumental in driving the offense, while Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez have anchored the pitching staff, maintaining a largely unchanged roster since 2023.
The Phillies enjoyed five consecutive NL East titles from 2007 to 2011 but faced a decade-long playoff drought. They entered the postseason as wild-card teams in the last two years, experiencing heartbreaking exits.
In 2022, they reached the World Series, only to lose to the Houston Astros in six games, and last year, they fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a seven-game NL Championship Series after leading the series 2-0 and 3-2.
This time, the Phillies are determined to go all the way and finally claim the title they seek.
The only World Series championships in Philadelphia’s history came in 1980 and 2008.
