Philadelphia Phillies fans are bolder than ever when they snatched the title of “Team America” from the Atlanta Braves after they took the lead in the NLDS.
Which MLB team deserves to be called ‘Team America’?
It’s an old question—or at least a 50-year-old question—since media mogul Ted Turner called the Atlanta Braves “Team America” in the 1970s. Last season, the Braves played a role in their national title, representing North America as world champions after winning the World Championship.
This year, the Braves are introducing another post-season play, but not if the Phillies have something to say about it. Leading the NLDS 2-1 series, the Phillies went so far as to desecrate the Braves brand. Not only have Phillies fans emulated the controversial Braves cut, but they are now looking to steal another part of Atlanta’s identity: their self-perception as Team America.
The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, Chris Long popped the question, threatening anyone who answered a hard “no” that they would face bad luck. Not only has Long tried to steal the cherished Atlanta title, but now, Braves fans can’t make their case before Game 4 must be won.
Phillies fans rallied around Long in responses, arguing that the Phillies had always been Team America – the rest of the country doesn’t know that yet.
Phillies fans continue to take over the Braves by stealing the ‘Team America’ title after game three
If that wasn’t satisfying enough to give Braves fans a taste of their own medicine – they may now understand why Native American leaders didn’t want sports teams to dress up their culture – Philly just had to go to the jugular and mercilessly pounce on the Braves while they were frustrated.
The last thing the Braves need now is an identity crisis, and they don’t need Philly to fully go into underdog status and smash him against the disparagement of the past. This does not help Philadelphia’s first home playoff since 2011also.
Perhaps Long’s noise and that Philly energy worked: Brandon Marsh took a 0-0 lead to take a 3-0 lead over Phillies in the bottom of a second. Having Grace Long, the Super Bowl winner with the Eagles in the 2017 season, may be the good luck Phillies need in the playoffs.
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