Joe O’Loughlin, a 70-year-old with West Philadelphia roots who now lives in Springfield, describes himself as a “four by four” fan, writes Dave Uram for KYW Newsradio.

His first Phillies game was July 25, 1964 at Connie Mack Stadium and he was there a couple of months later when the team fell one game short of advancing to the World Series.

He’s experienced the disappointment of the “Black Friday” playoff loss to the Dodgers in the 1977 NLCS at Veterans Stadium.

But he’s also seen the Phillies win the National League Eastern Division against the Expos in 1980, and even partied with some of the Phillies at a Montreal hotel.

O’Loughlin’s attended 50 Opening Days, and he met his wife Bobbie in 1980 while watching a Flyers game. 

He also befriended iconic Phillies announcer Harry Kalas.

He had written a letter to Kalas after the death of Richie Ashburn and the two kept in touch.

When Kalas died in 2009, O’Loughlin was one of the speakers at his memorial service.

“Through all the pathos, the joy, the tragedy of it, it’s just been an unfolding thing that has always had me captured, no matter how aggravating,” O’Loughlin said.

Find out more about Joe O’Loughlin’s devotion to Philly sports at KYW Newsradio.