Biggest Fan: Grace Tannous, Philadelphia Phillies

The “Biggest Fan” series showcases some of St. Edward’s University’s biggest sports fans and the teams they support.

Grace Tannous has been a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies for as long as she can remember and it all started because of her uncle.

In 1993, when Tannous was 5, the family gathered around the living room to watch game seven of the World Series. The Phillies were playing against the Toronto Blue Jays, and while the rest of the family was cheering for the Phillies, Tannous’ uncle was not.

“I remember because my uncle said they were going to lose,” Tannous said.

The Phillies lost that game.

Throughout the years the Phillies held on to a losing streak, but Tannous said her love of the Phillies didn’t waver. She continues to support her team.

“They haven’t been all that good until recently,” Tannous said.

Now a senior at St. Edward’s University majoring in Psychology, Tannous continues to show off her support for the Phillies. Written on the white board in her room are the words

“Go Phillies…World Series Bound!”

Moving from one city to another may make it hard to stay loyal to a hometown team, but that isn’t the case for a true fan. Moving from the suburbs of Philadelphia to the city of Austin for college, Tannous still celebrates with her family whenever the Phillies win a game.

Tannous said that being from Philadelphia means a lot to her for several reasons. It was the first capitol of the United States and is still the location of the Liberty Bell. It’s also where Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence. The city has history, and the Phillies team colors of red, white and blue represent America to Tannous. Tannous and her family are separated by cities, but she says they unite at each win and mourn with each loss.

A significant memory for Tannous is the Phillies game she attended in Houston, Texas. She and all of her family went to support the Phillies, with the exception of her uncle, who wore a Houston Astros shirt.

However, her favorite Phillies game was when they won the World Series in 2008. In the fourth game of the National League Championship, Matt Stairs, a pinch hitter, hit a home run when a hit was badly needed. That game led to the first World Series trip for the Phillies in 15 years and their first World Series win in 28 years.

Tannous said her favorite players are Shane Victorino and Chase Utley.

“They’re great hitters, they’re always smiling and they’re really devoted to their team,” Tannous said. “Philly is a rough city to be from. The fans are rough, the people are rough, and so is the team. But when they play, they play with a lot of heart and soul.”