The top two teams in the NL East in 2023 seem to be on another collision course as we roll into 2024. The rivalry between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies saw their fanbases get the latest trending topic in their recent series.
Just a few days ago in the Phillies Spring Training clubhouse at BayCare Ballpark, their latest artwork started making the rounds across various social medias. The artwork I'm speaking of is the Bryce Harper staredown of Orlando Arcia from last season's NLDS.
Viral NLDS moment being celebrated by Philadelphia
The Phillies hung up new artwork in the clubhouse of BayCare Ballpark:
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) February 16, 2024
- Trea’s walkoff against SF
- Stott’s grand slam against MIA
- Harper staring at Arcia
📸 via IG @ToddZolecki pic.twitter.com/rTVG8oIvdr
When the moment happened, I wrote about how soft it made the Phillies organization look. Now, looking at it hanging up in their Spring Training clubhouse I couldn't feel more validated in my original opinion.
Before I have all of Philadelphia coming after me, let's get this out the way; It was an objectively cool moment, and if Ronald Acuna Jr. had been the one to do it Braves country would probably feel much different. With that said, the Michael Jordan approach to take such silly things personal and use them for motivation has obviously paid of for the Phillies in the last two postseason series between the clubs.
We've heard arguments that the Braves could use a little more of that villain mentality in them. Thus, the addition of a guy like Chris Sale is an intriguing one. Braves fans can sound bitter saying stuff like this given how the last two seasons have ended, but the choice to celebrate that Harper staredown after it was ultimately followed by a NLCS exit feels corny.
Iconic moments like Matzek's 2021 NLCS game six are remembered because of the World Series victory that followed. Casual Braves fans don't remember A.J. Minter's incredible game five start as fondly because of what happened in the remainder of the series against the Dodgers in the 2020 NLCS. So that past was left in the past, because of how we think of that team.
As we head into 2024, it seems the Phillies are content with celebrating those past teams who ultimately didn't get the final prize. This rivalry shows no signs of cooling off, and now it's up to the Braves to create their own moments that Philly fans claim is a corny move. Let the games begin.