Gritty, and the 1994 summer of heartbreak

The untold story of the secret love affair of Youppi and the Philly Phanatic.

It was August of 1994, and Youppi was heartbroken and despondent.

After what can only be described as a magical season, the magnificent run of the Montreal Expos ended, not in a World Series, but in a labour stoppage that cancelled the season.

Sometimes people can find comfort in strange places.

It may seem strange in these times that people can be rivals and competitors, but at the same time, they can deeply care for one another.

Few in baseball would understand post-season heartbreak better than those hearty souls in Philadelphia.

Entering the National League of Baseball in 1883, they made their first World Series appearance in 1915, but it would take until 1980 before they won baseball’s ultimate prize.

Philly Phanatic understood what Youppi was going through, and they got on a train and travelled to Montreal the day Major League Baseball cancelled the season.

At first, Youppi didn’t want to see their Philadelphia rival. Youppi didn’t need their pity. But Philly Phanatic persisted.