Until last night, we never would’ve guessed John Middleton—Phillies’ $3.5 billion owner could party like that. We’ve got to say, the Phillies team—top to bottom—really deserved it all—The NL East crown, a champagne bath, and a beer bong, too. For the second straight season, the Phillies clinched the division title in a 6-5 offensive showdown over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Following the slugfest, for one heck of a celebration, Middleton went all in with Bryce and team.

It marked the ninth time in the last four years that the Phillies had such a bash in the clubhouse. Garrett Stubbs trusted his own and the team’s efforts enough that he was prepared for the celebratory scenes.

He had stacked two beer bongs at the back of his locker at Dodger Stadium. And just like that, Middleton later grabbed it himself to become ‘one of the boys’ and handled it no less than a pro.

When he was done, he took a step back and watched his team. In fact, while being the “Chug Buddy,” he praised the one who wasn’t there at the moment. “Dave’s been a master.” He remarked while speaking with On Pattison. “He’s Dave Dombrowski. That’s what he is, and nobody else is him,” Middleton added.

Dombrowski has been criticized every now and then for his trade moves. However, this time he was well praised for his acquisition from the Phillies circle. Just two trades and one smart signing were enough for the team this season.

You will most likely agree that Harrison Bader has arguably been the most impactful trade acquisition for the team. And even Jhoan Duran, despite blowing the save in the latest game, is also an asset to the team, making the Phillies’ bullpen a lot better. So, shall we take a brief look at how some mid-season moves changed everything for the team in a glorifying way?

A look at the Phillies’ bumpy road to first place

THEY DID IT! The Phillies notched the title and celebrated earlier than all the clubs.

Starting off with their offense, the Phillies’ production thrived this year without Bryce Harper having one of his usual strong seasons. Most of the load was carried by Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner.

Now, it’s very likely that Schwarber will finish the season as the league leader in both home runs and RBIs. Meanwhile, Trea Turner, despite just coming off a hamstring strain last week, still has a chance at leading the league in hits and winning the Phillies’ first batting title in over 67 years.

One of the major tough stretches for the team this time was Zack Wheeler’s health scare and an embarrassing three-game sweep by the Mets last month. In fact, in June, the Pirates swept them brutally. It stretched their dive game losing streak. And as if things couldn’t go any worse during that skid!

Harper was sidelined with a wrist injury. Yet, the team made a comeback.

By June 20, they were comfortably in first place.

However, for more than a month, they were neck and neck with the New York Mets, barely separated by two games or so. And then, the major turning point was the trade deadline. Jhoan Duran, Harrison Bader, and David Robertson completely changed the dynamics of the club.

Since August, no club has a better record in the league than that of the Phillies. Now at 90-61, they are very close to winning the title and probably completing Bryce Harper’s World Series dream.