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Stoppin' the Chop

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Prisontutorscarry

Prisontutorscarry

by Bob Macartney sporls editor

A sea of red and white engulfed the Kennedy Plaza at noon on Wednesday, as Phillies fans of all ages, sexes and backgrounds came together to rally their team.

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The rally was the idea of 610 WIP Morning Show hosts Tony Bruno. Al Morganti and Angelo Cataldi. They had been organizing the event since the Phillies clinched the pennant in Pittsburgh the previous week.

Some of the personalities who were present included ex-Flyer Ed Hospodar. the mayor of Philadelphia, Ed Rendell, Sixers announcer John Guravitch, 1980 World Series hero Tug McGraw and boxing announcer Michael Buffer, as well as the reigning Miss Pennsylvania and Channel Three anchorwoman Jennifer Ward.

A multitude of fans, ranging from women carrying babies to businesspersons holding signs, turned out to help ''Stop the Chop:'

Kevin O'Keefe, a graduate student from Temple University, was one of the multitude.

O'Keefe said. "The last time the Phillies made it to the playoffs, I was selling pennants on the street. I figured that this was the best way to prepare for the playoffs."

Rendell opened the proceedings by declaring it Philadelphia Fan Appreciation Day.

McGraw drew one of the loudest ovations by bringing out a newspaper from the day after the Phils had won the Series in 1980. The headline read "We Win!"

McGraw then said, "In two weeks, one of your favorite 1993 Phillies will be holding up a paper with the same headline."

Buffer finished the pep rally off with his famous line, "Let's get ready to rumble."

Judging from the turnout, Philly is ready.

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