In 1964, Philadelphia Phillies endured a collapse of epic proportions that led to the dawn of a concept called “Negadelphia,” defined as a Philadelphia sports fan’s inclination to expect the worst from their teams, writes John Caroulis for Billy Penn at WHYY.

That year, the Phillies had a 6.5-game first place lead with 12 games left in the season. World Series tickets were printed and sent to season ticket holders, and then the team managed to lose 10 straight games and the pennant.

“I don’t remember that negative attitude about Philadelphia sports before ’64,” said John Rossi, who wrote a book about the Phillies’ collapse. 

The negativity was so strong that it even overshadowed the Phillies’ 2008 World Series and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII wins.

Rossi added that any fan who lived through that 1964 Phillies season won’t ever forget it. 

Retired WIP morning show host Angelo Cataldi seconded this notion.

“It’s safe to say 1964 left a scar that has outlasted most of the fans who experienced it first-hand,” he said. 

Some compared this season’s Eagles with their 10-1 start, 1-6 finish, and wildcard round playoff loss. 

But Rossi believes the 1964 Phillies season stands alone. 

Read more about the history of Philly sports fans’ disappointment in Billy Penn at WHYY.

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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in March 2024.