May I have your attention please.  The identity of Ryan Howard’s mystery Miami chick has been REVEALED and she is… Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Krystle Campbell.

The irrefutable proof:

Krystle is a West Chester University graduate who teaches 2nd grade elementary school and jet sets to Miami on the weekends with her guy friend, Ryan Howard.  According to her profile on Eagles.com, Krystle describes herself as a passionate, dedicated, loyal, and adventurous person who loves reading, and spending time with family and friends.

And her favorite superhero is Cat Woman.

That’s pretty much it.

From the creative team at MMA-outfitter and preferred clothier of Phillies all-star Shane Victorino comes this not-yet-available, limited edition Silver Star Flyin’ Hawaiian Signature Collection t-shirt.  And while I say they aren’t available yet, they are taking pre-orders NOW and if you purchase your shirt soon, you can expect to have it shipped out by February 14th.

Here’s the product description:

From the inspiring mind of Phillies All-Star and 2X Gold Glove winner Shane Victorino comes the latest Signature Tee. Called the Flyin’ Hawaiian for obvious reasons, this high quality 30-singles tee has jumbo graphics on front and back and is available in two colorways

And here’s a detailed shot (click image for even MORE detail!):

As you can see, not only does the shirt say “Flyin’ Hawaiian” in bold tattoo-ish letters, but Shane’s home state of Hawaii is prominently featured between the wings that are growing out of the temples of the tribal skull.  And if you look real close, you will notice some type of goo oozing from the skull’s eyes.  I won’t even venture a guess as to what it signifies, but I’ll tell you one thing — IT’S FUCKING BADASS.

I can’t think of a more fitting t-shirt that encompasses the man that is, Shane Victorino.

So order quick, before they’re all gone.

I got an e-mail a couple hours ago from someone named Nicki over at TMZ with an attached video of Ryan Howard walking on the streets of Miami with his leopard-printed white girl Super Bowl weekend. I’m assuming they somehow stumbled upon my earlier post on Howard’s Miami excursion and figured I’d be interested in their video.  And while they were most certainly right, the ability for me to embed the video here on The Fightins came with a bunch of stipulations. So before you see the video, I must make sure I adhere to their strict video-posting mandate.

Here was the letter:

Your use of this clip is permitted starting today through February 15 , 2010. Any use thereafter must be cleared again with TMZ.

It may not be used as file footage unless permission is granted by TMZ.

In addition, the TMZ bug must remain onscreen and unobscured for the duration of the clip and verbal credit must be given to TMZ in the track or clip’s introduction. You as well as use on your website, provided a MANDATORY link to TMZ’s sports category (http://www.tmz.com/category/tmzsports/) is in the article. Please note the above rights are for within the US and Canada.

No international usage is granted on all releases with our exclusively owned photos/video.

Please confirm that you agree to these terms & conditions.

Alright — I’m allowed to post it today (check!), I’ve kept the TMZ bug unobscured for the duration of the clip (check!), alls I need now is the link (which, technically, I already did in the blockquote), verbal credit in the clip’s introduction, and to make sure no foreigners use it.

Well, I’m not trained well enough in the art of video-creating to put verbal credit before the clip, so to make up for that I’ll put the link in all caps, bolded, and blinking.

Now that the legalities are out of the way, enjoy this :35 second video of a TMZ cameraman begging Ryan Howard not to hit too many homers vs. the Dodgers this year and asking the big man what the Dodgers chances are in 2010 now that Matt Kemp is dating Rihanna.

See, it was totally worth it. AND IT IS VIA TMZ SPORTS.

As most of the Phillies battery crew prepares for Spring Training in just 9 motherfucking days, noted UFC superfan Shane Victorino (whom only loves it so because of the league’s acronic-resemblance to ‘WFC’) attended UFC 109 in Las Vegas yesterday. The big story from the fight was Tito Ortiz ‘lipping off’ Mark Coleman, whose ass was just handed to him by Randy Couture. Coleman then said “F— you too, Tito. Any f—ing time. Anytime, douchebag.” This was preceded by nobody giving a shit. And yes, if you’re wondering, all Shane-like UFC fans look like douches (that’s Chuck with the Fasano in the front). Shane memorizing every single little movement Chuck Liddell makes:

Pic, along with “Just spotted Shane Victorino sitting behind Chuck Liddell at tonights UFC fight. I’m sure he’s being a dick to absolutely everyone in there while marketing his new t-shirt line”, via the watchful eye of Fightins commenter Adam Eaton…or was it Adam Eaton? He has the time.

The greatest slugger in all the land, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, got himself down to Florida earlier than most of his teammates so he could continue working on his defense with third base coach Sam Perlozzo. Since he was down there already, he might as well take advantage of the Super Bowl being so darn close and make himself available for a ton of interviews and such, right?

Right.

So Howard did just that. On Friday, Big Brown spoke with Mike Missanelli of 97.5 The Fanatic (Philly’s FIRST fm sports-talk station!), Mike Francesa of WFAN New York (WARNING: Mike’s annoying voice starts immediately after clicking that link) as well as a LIVE! interview with CSNPhilly.com (Which can be found under the Phillies tab HERE) and probably half of the zany hosts on “Radio Row” (like here, with The Executioner!)

Surely sick of all the horrible, repetitive questions asked in those countless interviews, Ryan stepped out on the town Saturday Night to do some MIA partying, and he brought along (what appears to be) his girl. 

Aren’t *they* cute all holding hands and shit:

(pic via Bossip)

I knew he would do one.

The purpose of this exclusive The Fightins dot com feature is to foster a rivalry between the Phillies beat writers by keeping a running tally of who scoops who on Twitter and turn it into a year-long dick joke. You can play along by reading their tweets in this convenient list.

Their scores as of February 6, 2010:

Read more »

Pitchers and catchers report today. Those words fill the heart of every baseball fan with thoughts of spring and great anticipation for a new season of hope just around the corner. For Yours Truly — the B-Man himself — I am psyched beyond words. More so that I’ve been in years, as a matter of fact. And I’m here to tell you why.

Although my uniform may look different, the heart of a competitor still beats beneath its logo, and the batting-practice arm of a warrior fills the right sleeve. Banish me to Houston, will you, Mr. Amaro? Fine. Ed Wade and I have a message, and you and those other fools back in Philly better listen up: Today is the day I plot my revenge on the team that made me a champion.

While the Phillies were shooting their wad winning division titles and a World Championship, the Astros (aka, my NEW favorite team) were patiently waiting their turn, not wishing to draw attention to their plan of dominating the National League in 2010 and beyond. What plan, you ask? Why, nothing less devious than pretending to appear to other teams as a mediocre franchise, not wishing to reveal their true potential by cleverly finishing fifth in a six-team division. It’s a classic Wadian tactic, and you guys fell for it! Suckers.

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!

Now it’s time for revenge, and you better believe that, much like my awesome chin beard, the list is growing every day. Here’s just a brief sample of those who should get ready to tremble in their shoes…

1. Charlie Manuel. How dare you pull me from a game just as I was hitting my stride? I do my best work when the bases are loaded and I’ve surrendered three home runs in five innings! “Manager?” Pfft. More like micro-manager.

2. Ruben Amaro, Jr. Bad mistake cutting me loose, amigo. I’m the kind of pitcher franchises are built around, and you’re about to learn that fact the hard way when I step on the mound against that squad of losers you’ve chosen to keep. Watch as I lull your precious Ryan Howard into a state of complacency by allowing him to hit home runs in his first three at-bats! That’s when the Brettster shifts into “lock-down mode,” and when that happens there is nowhere to hide, my friend.

3. Cole Hamels? I’m gunning for you. Now who’s going to hold your hand and dry those precious little lady-tears when the game isn’t going your way? I can’t believe I had to lie to those press weasels and tell them we weren’t fighting during the World Series because you gave up on your teammates. Better hope you don’t face me this year, because I have a gift-wrapped inside fastball with your dainty little name on it.

4. Jose Manero, assistant locker room attendant. You know what you did.

Read more »

If there is one thing that the last two seasons of Phillies baseball proved, it’s this: Dominance can be fleeting. For proof, look no further than Cole Hamels. He was one of the biggest reasons the Phillies won it all in 2008, and ironically, one of the biggest reasons they didn’t win it all in 2009.

He went into last season fresh off a career year, his second full season in the majors, that saw him best opposing teams to the tune of a 3.09 ERA over 227.1 innings. Then October rolled around, and things really got going for the lefty. In five games, he went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA en route to winning both the NLCS and World Series MVP awards, while leading the Phillies to their first title since 1980, thus completing his journey from coveted prospect to staff Ace.

We all know what happened next: The limelight, television appearances, cover stories, a new wife, a new condo, a poor off-season training program, an injury to start 2009, 12 earned runs in his first nine innings, a few good starts, a great start, some bad starts, a few more good starts, bad start, great start, bad start, bad start, playoffs and more bad starts, the questionable walk to Mark Teixiera, the even more questionable two-run tater to Alex Rodriguez, the curveball to Andy Pettitte, game over, Cole wanting it all to end. And it did.

And as spring training approaches, the question remains: Where does that leave Cole?

Read more »

Hey, do you like the Phillies acquisition of Roy Halladay and those collectible McFarlane sports figure toys?

Then boy, do I have just the thing for you!

Coming this May to a toy store near you (I think) is the MLB Series 26 McFarlane action figures which includes the one and only Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies.  According to Mr. McFarlane’s website, the Halladay figure is COLLECTOR LEVEL ONLY (whatever that means), so I’m assuming you will have to pay money to join some special McFarlane sports figure fan club, in turn giving you first dibs on all COLLECTOR LEVEL ONLY releases.  But really, I haven’t the foggiest idea. If you want it so bad, find out for yourself. 

Or must I do everything for you?

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