“I want my f*****g trophy back” - Phillies owner John Middleton shares message during team celebration after clinching NL East 

After a wait of 13 seasons, the Philadelphia Phillies have finally won the National League East title. This marks the 12th time the franchise has secured this title, with their last win occurring in 2011.

Following their series opener against the Chicago Cubs on Monday, which they won 6-2, the Phillies claimed the division title. Achieving such a feat after a long time calls for a celebration, and the Phillies certainly delivered.

After the game, the club celebrated in the locker room alongside team owner John Middleton. Before the team drenched him in champagne to celebrate, Middleton said:

“I want my f*****g trophy back.”

Philadelphia is headed to the playoffs for the third straight year. In 2022, they reached the World Series but subsequently lost to the Houston Astros. Last year, many expected the Phillies to win the championship, but they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS.

During the Phillies' locker room celebrations, manager Rob Thomson said:

“When we entered the playoffs they said it was very difficult to get here and to win the division is more difficult. So congratulations on that. We have got some work to do, though. We want to get that by. That’s very important to us. So I want you guys to party tonight, but be ready to come here and play tomorrow.”

So far in Major League history, the Philadelphia Phillies have won the World Series two times: in 1980 and 2008.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson opens up on winning NL East title after 6-2 win over Cubs

Manager Rob Thomson addressed their NL East title victory in the locker room after their 6-2 win over the Cubs on Monday:

“This is quite an accomplishment. This was a very difficult division, and it’s been a while. 2011, I think, was the last time we won it here,” Thomson said.

“I’m just proud of the players and the staff — how hard they work, from the offseason through spring training and the entire year. Overcoming obstacles like injuries, travel, whatever it is, they just keep going and show up for us every day.

“We’ve got to make sure that we take care of all of our details and keep fighting and grinding, just like we have every day. It was electric out there tonight, and I’m just happy for our fan base and, obviously, our organization,” he added.

The Phillies, with 93 wins and 64 losses, have a .592 winning percentage. They are set to face the Chicago Cubs again on Tuesday in the second game of their three-game series.