What Went Wrong: An Early End to Red October
The Philadelphia Phillies' power was cut short by the Cinderella New York Mets in the NLDS
Now, the Philadelphia Phillies know how it feels.
Two years ago, the Phillies were in what is now regarded as the "sweet spot": the #6 seed in the National League. They were playing with house money. They clawed their way in and made the best of it. Ousting the Cardinals in the Wild Card Series, eliminating the then-defending champion Braves in the NLDS, and defeating the Padres in the NLCS. The Phils fell two wins short of winning the whole thing, but even so, the promise was there.
Last year they were the #5 team, but they returned to the NLCS, only to lose Game Seven at home to the Diamondbacks. This year, the Phillies won the NL East for the first time since 2011, and they did look quite deadly. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber leading the way, along with some clutch bats in the form of J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos. I've heard rumblings that the team could make a run for it and win the whole thing. They had the bye, they had the home field in the NLDS, and they had a winning record against the Dodgers, if it came to it.
It would not.
Game One saw the New York Mets steal another one, just like they did in Game Three vs the Brewers. Phils had to claw back to take Game Two, but they would have to play two in Queens. Game Three saw the Phillies dominated, and in Game Four, the Phillies did score first, and it held...until Francisco Lindor slammed the door shut, in grand fashion.
So what went wrong? Simple. The Phillies just ran out of gas.
Philly's two biggest bats have to be Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber--a pair of ex-Washington Nationals. Schwarber homered in Game One to kick off Philly's offense in this postseason. He would have one hit since then--going 2-for-16 overall. Bryce Harper also homered, but had three other hits since then, and drove in three runs. Alec Bohm was completely snake bit; one hit in 13 at bats. Brandon Marsh had the same exact numbers, but at least he and Bohm had hits. J.T. Realmuto and I have two things in common. One, we both celebrate birthdays on March 18, and two, neither of us had a hit in the 2024 postseason. So who was the leader in offense for the Phils? None other than Nick Castellanos, who had seven hits--one of them went out of the park, another one won Game Two, and he had five others, and three RBIs.
Again, now the Phillies know how it feels. Two years ago, they were the #6 seed who tore it up and delivered upsets. This year, they were eliminated by the #6 seed. I see that happen a lot in sports.
And there it is, the New York Mets become the first team to punch a ticket to the Final Four, making their first NLCS appearance since 2015, and looking to win the pennant for the first time since 2000. As for the Phillies, this is a big step backwards, but they have nothing to worry about. This team will be back. They have a strong lineup, they are two years removed from their own Cinderella run--they'll be back. I don't see the Phillies running out of gas next year; they'll still be one of the top teams in the National League.
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About the Creator
Clyde E. Dawkins
I'm a big sports fan, especially hockey, and I've been a fan of villainesses since I was eight! My favorite shows are The Simpsons and Family Guy, etc.
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“I Didn’t Set Out to Break Records”: Pakistan’s First Female MMA Fighter
When people talk about mixed martial arts (MMA), Pakistan is rarely part of the conversation—especially when it comes to women. Yet one young woman has quietly rewritten that narrative, not by chasing headlines, but by stepping into a cage where few Pakistani women have dared to stand. Pakistan’s first female MMA fighter did not begin her journey to shatter records or challenge tradition. She began it simply because she loved to fight—and believed she had the right to. A Dream Born in Defiance Growing up in Pakistan, combat sports were never presented as a viable path for girls. Boxing gyms, wrestling mats, and fight promotions were overwhelmingly male spaces. For a young girl interested in MMA, the obstacles came early and often—raised eyebrows, discouraging comments, and the constant reminder that “this isn’t for you.” Yet the fighter recalls that her earliest motivation had nothing to do with proving society wrong. She trained because MMA made her feel strong, focused, and free. “I didn’t set out to break records,” she has said in interviews. “I just wanted to see how far I could push myself.” Training Without a Roadmap Unlike athletes in countries where MMA is well established, Pakistan’s first female MMA fighter had no clear roadmap. There were few female coaches, no local women’s leagues, and limited facilities that welcomed women. Training often meant improvisation—borrowing gym hours, practicing with male fighters, and learning techniques from online videos. Her discipline, however, set her apart. MMA demands mastery across multiple fighting styles: striking, grappling, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Balancing these skills required relentless dedication. She trained through injuries, financial constraints, and social pressure, often without knowing whether there would be an actual fight waiting at the end. Breaking Barriers Without Breaking Herself What makes her story remarkable is not just that she entered the MMA world, but how she did it. Rather than positioning herself as a rebel against culture, she framed her journey as one of personal growth and professionalism. She emphasized fitness, discipline, and sportsmanship—values deeply respected across Pakistani society. This approach helped shift perceptions. Slowly, resistance turned into curiosity, and curiosity into support. Family members who once questioned her choices became her biggest allies. Coaches who were hesitant to train a woman began to see her commitment and skill. The First Step Into the Cage Her debut fight marked a historic moment. Stepping into the cage was not just about winning—it was about visibility. For the first time, young girls across Pakistan could see a woman representing their country in a sport often viewed as aggressive and inaccessible. The fight itself was a test of nerves as much as technique. Under bright lights and intense scrutiny, she fought with composure and confidence. Regardless of the result, the message was clear: Pakistani women belong in MMA. A Symbol, Not a Slogan While media attention labeled her a trailblazer, she resisted being boxed into symbolism alone. She insisted she was an athlete first. “If I’m treated as an exception, the door closes behind me,” she once noted. “If I’m treated as a professional, the door stays open.” That mindset has influenced a new generation. Gyms in major cities are now seeing more women sign up for combat sports. Conversations around women’s self-defense, strength training, and athletic ambition are growing louder. Redefining Strength in Pakistan Her journey challenges a narrow definition of femininity that still exists in many parts of the world. Strength, she demonstrates, does not erase grace or values. Instead, it complements them. By embracing MMA, she has expanded what is socially imaginable for Pakistani women—not just in sports, but in any male-dominated field. The Road Ahead Despite her achievements, the road ahead remains difficult. Sponsorship opportunities are limited, international exposure is costly, and institutional support for women’s MMA is still developing. Yet her presence alone has already shifted the landscape. She now speaks openly about mental resilience, discipline, and self-belief—lessons that extend far beyond the cage. For her, success is not measured by medals or records, but by impact. More Than a Fighter Pakistan’s first female MMA fighter didn’t set out to break records—but she broke a barrier far more significant. She proved that courage doesn’t always roar; sometimes it trains quietly, shows up consistently, and steps forward when the moment arrives. Her story is not just about fighting. It’s about choosing one’s own path—and daring others to imagine new ones.
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Comments (2)
Great story and well written. The Phillies should consider trading some players and fire their manager. You can't have the same players every year and expect different results. As long as the Phillies manager stays and the roster is the same, they'll never win a World Series title.
This story was pretty intense and relatable all around.