By far the most eccentric and vulgar baseball mascot

On such a big evening for television (Obama at 8pm, McCain at 9pm, more Obama at 11pm) I was fortunate to catch the end of Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. The last 1/2 inning was fairly exciting, but with Brad Lidge, who is perfect in saves this season, everyone knew the Phillies would prevail. The aftermath was even more amusing – from big man Ryan Howard knocking Lidge over in joy, to a shot of the Phanatic trying to exit the dugout – the media was ready. Other celebratory notes:

• It’s amazing how quickly champion hats and shirts were delivered to the players celebrating on the mound.
• Hilarious close-ups of a handful of player of players immediately after the game was over. Baseball players inherently know to run to the pitcher’s mound.
• Who puts plastic over the lockers in the locker room so quickly? Who sets out dozens of bottles of champagne? Probably an intern, but oh, the mysteries of the clubhouse.
• Commissioner Bud Selig always gets booed.
• MVP Cole Hamels’s wife, Heidi Strobel Hamels, was on Survivor: Amazon, and later appeared nude in Playboy