Nov 2, 2009 6:59 pm US/Eastern
Oops! Philly Paper Declares Phillies Champions
Philadelphia Inquirer Prints Ad Congratulating Team On Back-To-Back Championships
In Case You Forgot Too, Yankees Lead Series 3-1!
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) ―
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The three-quarter-page Macy's ad is on the back of the front section and features a T-shirt with the Phillies logo, the commissioner's trophy and the phrase "Back To Back World Series Champions."
CBS
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Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies slides safely into home to score against catcher Jorge Posada #20 of the New York Yankees on a RBI single by Pedro Feliz #7 of the Phillies in the bottom of the fourth inning of Game Four
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Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a RBI double in the bottom of the first inning during Game Four of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 1, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies scores in the bottom of the fourth inning during Game Four of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 1, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts as he walks back to the dugout after he popped out in the bottom of the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in Game Four of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 1, 2009
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Mark Teixeira, left, and Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees celebrate after they scored on a 2-run single by Jorge Posada in the top of the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Four of the 2009 MLB World Series on Nov. 1, 2009.
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Humiliation came to Philadelphia perhaps a bit early on Monday morning, as the city's main newspaper jumped the gun and ran an ad congratulating the team for back-to-back championships.
The Macy's ad that took up three-quarters of a page was printed in the first section of the Philadelphia Inquirer, and read in large print: "CONGRATULATIONS PHILLIES! BACK TO BACK CHAMPS"
Also draping the page is a photograph of what would be the official championship t-shirt should Philadelphia make the miraculous comeback. Yankees fans in New York were stunned.
"It should say, 'Back to back chumps,' because that's not right. Yankees going to get this," said Yankee fan Charlie Powell.
The mistake could look even worse Monday night when the Game 5 of the World Series is played in Philadelphia. The Yankees lead the series 3 to 1 and could bring home a 27th championship with a victory tonight.
Many say the ad could be the ultimate jinx for the Phillies.
"They're going to be sending those shirts to third-world countries because it's not going to happen. Nobody's going to be able to wear them," said Yankee fan James Emeigh.
Some Phillies fans disagree and think the ad is a really a sign of things to come.
"I think next week we'll be wearing these instead of having 2008 it'll be 2009 world champs," said Phillies fan Spencer Brown.
And others worry the mistake could only make things worse.
"I think it's a jinx. I don't like it," one fan said.
The Philadelphia Inquirer released an apology to its readers for the error.
The Yankees took a 3-1 series after beating the Phillies on Sunday night. A ninth inning hit from Alex Rodriguez gave the Bombers a 5-4 lead before Jorge Posada burst it open with a two-run hit.
Yankees fans are hoping tonight proves to be the night when their Bronx Bombers win their 27th championship. A.J. Burnett will take the mound on three days rest, while the Phillies Cliff Lee will start on four days rest.
For complete World Series coverage, be sure to check out WCBSTV.com's
World Series section.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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