Phillies fans pound chests as ‘America’s Team’ after taking NLDS lead over Braves

Philadelphia Phillies fans become more brazen than ever as they snatch the title of “America’s Team” from the Atlanta Braves after taking the lead in NLDS.

Which MLB team deserves the title of “America’s Team”?

It’s an age-old question — or at least a 50-year old question — ever since media titan Ted Turner dubbed the Atlanta Braves “America’s Team” back in the 1970s. Last season, the Braves played up to their patriotic moniker, representing North America as global champions after their World Series win.

This year, the Braves are making another play for the postseason, but not if the Phillies have something to say about it. Leading their NLDS series 2-1, the Phillies have gone above and beyond to desecrate the Braves brand. Not only did Phillies fans emulate the controversial Braves chop, but they are now looking to steal another part of Atlanta’s identity: their self-perception as America’s Team.

Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long floated the question, threatening anyone who replied with a hard “no” that they would be met with bad luck. Not only did Long endeavor to steal the treasured Atlanta title, but now, Braves fans are unable to make their case ahead of a must-win Game 4.

Phillies fans rallied around Long in the replies, arguing that the Phillies have always been America’s team — the rest of the country just doesn’t know it yet.

https://twitter.com/JerryWasThere/status/1581065787107745792?s=20&t=h7gRbsTFcorV03xYfnmwUQ

Phillies fans continue to troll Braves by stealing “America’s Team” title after Game 3

If it wasn’t satisfying enough to gives Braves fans a taste of their own medicine — maybe now they understand why Native American leaders don’t want sports teams masquerading as their cultures — Philly just had to go for the jugular and ruthlessly pounce on the Braves while they’re down.

The last thing the Braves need right now is an identity crisis, nor do they need Philly to go full underdog mode and smash against past underestimations. It doesn’t help that this is Philadelphia’s first home playoff game since 2011, either.

Maybe Long’s hype and that Philly energy worked: Brandon Marsh took a 0-0 game to a 3-0 lead by the Phillies at the bottom of the second. Having the blessing of Long, a Super Bowl winner with the Eagles in the 2017 season, may be the good luck the Phillies need in the playoffs.