Gigantic Rivalry?

[Seattle1]

Is there a gigantic cross-state rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates?

:confused:

:noidea

:shrug:

Isn't that a funny coincidence that both of their initials are P.P.?

[jalbright]

There was in the late 70's, when both teams were a) in the same division, and b) generally in competition for that title. It isn't much of a rivalry with the Bucs and Phils now in different divisions, and the since it's been over twenty years since both teams were really seriously in the playoff chase at the same time.

[PF#9]

There was in the late 70's, when both teams were a) in the same division, and b) generally in competition for that title. It isn't much of a rivalry with the Bucs and Phils now in different divisions, and the since it's been over twenty years since both teams were really seriously in the playoff chase at the same time.

I have a realignment suggestion that puts them back in the same division, in addition to a pair of new teams.

http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1214678&postcount=1

[Seattle1]

There was in the late 70's, when both teams were a) in the same division, and b) generally in competition for that title. It isn't much of a rivalry with the Bucs and Phils now in different divisions, and the since it's been over twenty years since both teams were really seriously in the playoff chase at the same time.

Now that they are in different NL divisions do they still get scheduled for at least one series against each other every year? They should. That should be automatic imho.

Just like in the NFL I truly believe the Steelers and the Eagles ought to play each other every single year. That should be a rule of thumb for NFL schedulers. One year in Philly, one year in the 'Burgh. Back and forth, back and forth.

[jalbright]

Now that they are in different NL divisions do they still get scheduled for at least one series against each other every year? They should. That should be automatic imho.

Just like in the NFL I truly believe the Steelers and the Eagles ought to play each other every single year. That should be a rule of thumb for NFL schedulers. One year in Philly, one year in the 'Burgh. Back and forth, back and forth.

They play each other, but not as often--and, given that it's been a long time since both teams have been competitive at the same time, whatever rivalry existed has dissipated. New York, Baltimore, even Washington DC are closer to Philly than Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania is a big state, so the "in the same state" thing isn't that big a deal. If they were both in the playoff hunt at the same time, then the teams and their fans might see each other as rivals. Playing each other less than divisional foes doesn't help that, either.

[Seattle1]

They play each other, but not as often--and, given that it's been a long time since both teams have been competitive at the same time, whatever rivalry existed has dissipated. New York, Baltimore, even Washington DC are closer to Philly than Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania is a big state, so the "in the same state" thing isn't that big a deal. If they were both in the playoff hunt at the same time, then the teams and their fans might see each other as rivals. Playing each other less than divisional foes doesn't help that, either.

Thanks for that explanation.