Matt D'Antonio doesn't think there's enough Philly love in State College.
Maybe he hasn't seen the hundreds of students donning Phillies gear every day, or heard any of the mini-uproars that, like clockwork, occur after every Philly postseason victory.
Regardless, D'Antonio is doing what he can to support his favorite baseball team as they face off with the Yankees in the 2009 World Series.
"It just feels like we're in the middle of Pittsburgh country," said D'Antonio, manager of Bradley's Steaks and Hoagies on 119 S. Pugh St. "So we have to do what we can to represent Philadelphia. I mean, we're home of the Philly Cheesesteak here so it's only natural we give the Phillies some appreciation."
That appreciation can be found on the windows of Bradley's. The modest, brick storefront is completely Philly-fied. With red and white paint, the team's logo is proudly posted all over, and a mini scoreboard keeping track of the series is displayed just by the door.
"Right when Philly clinched a berth we thought of the idea," said Nate Gidding, owner of Bradley's. "And I think we've got some good reaction."
And there's even been a little piece of the Philly-New York rivarly at the restaurant.
"We had a little brawl Friday night," D'Antonio joked. "Some guys on the left started chanting, 'Lets go Yanks.' and then guys on the right responded with some cheers for the Phils. Nothing serious, just good competitive fun."
That liveliness inside is promoted by the exterior Phillies' decorations. Jesse Gooding was just walking down the street when the red and white paint caught her eye. "Man, I wish I was hungry right now," said Gooding. "I would so go in. Any place that supports the Phils is definitely my type of place."
Bradley's is open 11-8 Sunday-Wednesday and 11-late night Thursday-Saturday. They broadcast all World Series games on the radio.
--Emily Kaplan
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