The sporting world was well represented last night as Bruce Springsteen played his final show at Philadelphia's famed Spectrum. From Eagles kicker David Akers to Flyers Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, and Ray Emery, the local athletes were there for one last dance.
One non-athlete who came out for the party was Dodgers manager Joe Torre. Twitter went... atwitter when fans realized the Dodgers skipper was attending the show with reports of "BEAT L.A.!" chants resonating throughout the Spectrum.
My dad and brother were also in attendance and said when Bruce played "Glory Days" they showed Torre on the big screen during the "I had a friend, was a big baseball player..." line as Bruce pointed towards the soon to be vacationing manager.
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The good thing for Torre is that when fans booed him, he could kid himself in to thinking they were simply cheering for the Boss (Or Chooch, but we hope he was home resting up and not out at a concert on the eve of a potential clinching game).
The show also contained a number of other Philly sports references. On his latest track "Wrecking Ball," which Bruce wrote about the impending demolition of Giants Stadium, Springsteen altered the words in Philly to point out the Spectrum was the place where "Dr. J. played the game." And finally, before one last dance with Rosie, the opening notes to "Gonna Fly Now" were played. You can hear it below.
Bruce, Rocky, the Spectrum. Pretty cool.
My brother, who was thrilled to hear "The River" live for the first time after countless shows, joked that Bruce should have dedicated "No Surrender" to the Phillies for that evening.
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Like soldiers in the winter's night
With a vow to defend
No retreat, baby, no surrender
Well, it sure feels like winter in October anyway, ya know?
Photo of Joe Torre via twitpic user julipfeif