Forever Young
My friend, Phillies broadcaster and ex-relief pitch extraordinaire, Larry Andersen has a quote – “You’re only young once but you can be immature forever!” Well, it’s not actually Larry’s quote. It’s attributed to Germaine Greer, a controversial writer and feminist from Australia. Gotta love Google. Anyway, I always thought that LA and I lived by that same code. Surely, we have the immature part down flat. But the older I get, the more I feel that you actually CAN be young more than once. In fact, you can be forever young! That’s not Germaine Greer talkin’ – that’s Bob Dylan!
In the 36 years I’ve spent inside a green (smelly) costume, I’ve seen a few things. Mostly, I’ve seen people at their very best. Happy people, going to Phillies games, cheering on the home team with a childlike exuberance that never gets old. Fans, young and old, are absolutely giddy when they come face to snout with the Phanatic. Dads chase after the Phanatic the way they did when they were kids. Moms squeeze the Phanatic like a teddy bear, not wanting to let go. High-fives and giggles, selfies and smooches surround the Phanatic wherever he goes. Every day is Christmas and the Phanatic is the jolly old elf.
Feeling old and tired? Need to tap into that youthful spirit that Bob Dylan sings about? Go to a Phillies game, find the Phanatic, give him a high-five and stay forever young.