It’s the time of year when we reflect on the people and the things that brought us joy over the past 365 days. From an unexpected playoff run by Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, to a miraculous World Series appearance by the Phillies, to a more perfect Union, to the renaissance of Howie Roseman, it has been an annum of bounty in Philadelphia.
1. Rob Thomson
Larry Bowa told me two years ago that Rob Thomson should be a major-league manager. Thomson thought so, too, but, convinced he’d never get the chance, he planned to quit the game after 2022, according to The Athletic. He finally got his shot after the Phillies fired Joe Girardi on June 3. “Topper” went 65-46, won the NL pennant with a No. 6 seed, and came within two wins of a World Series title. He did it all with an injured MVP, just two reliable starters, zero reliable bullpen pieces, and a leadoff hitter who hit exactly .218 in both the regular season and the postseason.
