End-of-season (alas) Phillies shopping

Was it only a week ago that Phillies fans were riding high, snapping up such accountrements of fandom as this $32 official NBL cap? It was the first time in 14 years we had a reason to shop post-season -- and now it has all been swept away as the Phils fell in three straight to the Colorado Rockies (whose fans are likely dashing out for purple hair dye at this very moment.)

In Phillies country, some retailers' hopes were as high as the fans' expectations. Their hearts are aching as they mark down merchandise, hoping stalwart shoppers will think ahead.

There's always next season, when hopes -- even for Phillies fans -- spring anew.