Before the World Series, the Brookdale Evesham senior living community in Voorhees made a bet with residents at Houston-based sister community Brookdale Galleria.
If the Phillies won, Brookdale Galleria would send some Texas BBQ to Brookdale Evesham. If the Astros prevailed, Brookdale Galleria would get some Philly cheesesteaks.
The Houston seniors will be doing the eating. That was decided when the Fightins’ lost to the Astros, 4-2, in game six of the World Series on Nov. 5.
Brookdale Evesham started cheering the Phillies’ playoff success in early October, hosting watch parties and decorating community areas with Phillies memorabilia. Residents and staff could be spotted in the halls decked out in red. Staffer Kathy Maloney sported her Phillie Phanatic fuzzy green hat, hoping it would be a World Series good luck charm.
Residents Joseph Rubin, Joseph Scola, Theresa D’andrea and Eileen Field-Walder all talked about the Phillies’ success and that of the Eagles, who are now the only undefeated team in the NFL at 8-0.
“They have been doing so well and it’s very easy to be proud of them,” said Field-Walder of the Phillies. “How can you not enjoy (this)? I grew up with a husband and children who loved all sports, I wasn’t very much a sports fan, but I now am.
“Definitely in for the Phillies,” she added. “Oh, and the Eagles, too,”
Rubin grew up a Yankees fan while living in North Jersey, but when he moved to the area to attend Rancocas Valley Regional High School, that changed.
“I’ve mostly been a big baseball fan, but not (always) of the Phillies though …” he acknowledged. “Going back to when I was a teenager, (I liked) the Yankees. Back then, I was a kid living in North Jersey, where you (grew up) Yankees fans.”
Other Brookdale residents said they were happy just to be along for the playoff ride.
“I’m so blessed to be here,” said D’andrea, who predicted since “day one” the Phillies were going to the World Series. “I will be 95 years old in January and I am so happy to be here talking about my Philadelphia Phillies. (Chase) Utley and (Ryan) Howard, I used to watch them all the time and loved them, but sorry, you’re in the background now.
“These young bloods are coming up.”
Scola revealed that he said he doesn’t have an allegiance to any one player.
“I think this is a great team,” he noted, “and I just like them all.”
