And the winner is…

In today’s world, we often find ourselves debating a topic, or dealing with providing evidence to help support our case. Whether it’s sports or politics, you know what I mean.

Over the years, the sports world has had its share of legendary debates, especially in Philadelphia.

In this week’s version of my Yesterday column — reminiscing about sports and pop culture from the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and sometimes before and beyond — I’ll take a look at some of Philadelphia’s sports debates as well as some related pop culture topics to the City of Brotherly Love.

Also, how do you rank the best Philly teams?

1980, 2008, or 1993 ... What Phillies’ team do you believe is the best ever? The ‘80 team will always have a special place in our hearts, bringing home the long-awaited title. There were plenty of memories and highlights along the way with the cast of players like Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, Larry Bowa, and Steve Carlton to name a few.

2008 was also special due to the 28-year gap between the championships. There also was a star-studded lineup headlined by Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Cole Hamels along with role players Carlos Ruiz and Shane Victorino. The team was led by folksy manager Charlie Manuel.

In ‘93, the gritty bunch of Jim Fregosi also should have a special place in our baseball annals. They suffered the heartbreaking loss to the Blue Jays in the World Series, but the ride to get there was a memorable one. The late Darren “Dutch” Daulton, Lenny Dykstra, Dave Hollins and Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams were a few of the colorful characters that will be lasting memories for us.

Does anyone cast a vote for the 1983 “Wheez Kids? It was the 2.0 version of the “Big Red Machine” with an aged Rose, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez, but they got to the Big Dance.

You may also add the ‘76 and ‘77 teams that each won 101 games, but fate wasn’t on their sides in the postseason.

Highest Flying Eagles ... What Eagles’ team do you believe is the best? Are you going with the 1960 team, 1980, or the 2017 unit?

If you’re a graybeard, you may point out that the ‘60 Eagles NFL Championship team with “Concrete” Charlie Bednarik may have been the best. Even though it was the NFL Championship, it still carried its share of prestige.

The ‘80 Eagles finally got past the Cowboys in that bitterly cold, NFC Championship game at the Vet. Even though they came up short against the Raiders, that Birds’ team certainly made its mark with Jaws, Wilbert, and tireless Dick Vermeil.

But I guess the ultimate is the 2017 team that finally won a Super Bowl. They managed to find their niche with Nick Foles, and it proved to be a magical ride.

Let’s throw the ‘91 Eagles into the mix with Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and Clyde Simmons, who worked together to form the league’s top defense against the run and pass. Unfortunately, this was the season in which Randall Cunningham was lost for the year in the first game. They had all the tools to be a Super Bowl team.

What team was the best, and how did you rank them?

On the Radio ... Over the years, Philadelphia has had its share of mention in song titles.

One that always comes to mind is “Philadelphia Freedom,” by Elton John in 1975. It did hit number one on the billboard chart.

Also reaching the top spot was “The Sounds of Philadelphia (TSOP),”by local trio The Three Degrees in 1973. It was an instrumental soul/disco mix that is easily recognizable.

A third one is Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia,” which he released in 1994. It’s one of his underrated songs, and it reached No. 9 overall.

Neil Young also sang “Philadelphia,” the theme song for the 1993 film with the same title. Tom Hanks won an Emmy for his leading role in the film.

I’ll go with Elton John’s version, but I do like Springsteen’s.

Less Filling, Tastes Great ... The famous Lite Beer debate has surfaced again with former Red Sox standout David Ortiz and Yankee great Jorge Posada. It will be interesting to see if the commercials and personalities begin to surface.

Do you remember the Lite Beer bowling tournament, and the Lite Beer banquet commercials?

The bowling tournament spot aired in September 1982, and it featured former players in teams of red and yellow bowling shirts.

Don Carter, Dick Butkus, Red Auerbach, Ben Davidson, Tom Heinsohn, Deacon Jones, John Madden, Billy Martin, Steve Mizerak, Bubba Smith, Boog Powell, Matt Snell, Mickey Spillane, and Ray Nitschke were part of it. Somehow, former Catwoman Lee Meredith was also involved.

And do you remember former hockey coach Bernard “Boom Boom” Geoffrion?

Rodney Dangerfield, who was at the height of his comedic game, needed to knock over one pin to win for the red team, but his ball bounced off the pins.

Before the commercial ended, former Allentown native and umpire Jim Honochick was seen getting ready to bowl the wrong way.

In the closing seconds, Madden burst through the Lite Beer banner ranting that he didn’t get a chance to bowl, similar to his ramblings tha he delivered convincing back in the day.

Three years earlier in 1979 during the banquet commercial, the players were basically the same.

Dangerfield was trying to deliver a speech, and, of course, gets constantly interrupted, generating his “no respect” mantra.

The usual feud ensues between both sides of the table. Honochick classically ends the commercial by coming up to Dangerfield and saying ,” hey, you’re Boog Powell.”

They would be considered “campy” today, but were an integral part of our sports’ past.

It would be hard to duplicate with today’s stars. I don’t think it would have the same effect.

Finally, who wins this debate? You decide.

WWF/WWE Wrap ... Each week, I’ll recount a former wrestler from our past.

Do you remember Gorilla Monsoon? He was born Robert Parella and a nearby South Jersey native.

The 400-pound Monsoon began his career in 1958 and originally was cast as a villain. He won the WWF tag-team championship with Killer Kowalski and Billy Watts (twice) in the early ‘60s, and also was the IWA heavyweight champion and the WWC North American heavyweight champion.

When he changed roles, Monsoon became a fan favorite, and his last match was in 1983. He has a career mark of 677 wins, 464 defeats, and 189 draws over his 1,330 matches.

Monsoon then joined the WWF/WWE broadcast team in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and he also was the WWF president from 1995-97.

In 1999, Monsoon passed away from heart failure at the age of 62.

Monsoon has to be considered as one of the best ever, but is he Philadelphia’s best against Pedro Morales or Victor Rivera?

Big Date ... There were some significant happenings on this date in sports history.

Pete Rose broke Stan Musial’s hit record of 3,631 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Rose hit .325 for the season and finished second behind Pittsburgh’s Bill Madlock.

In 1995, the Dodgers had to forfeit their game against the Cardinals due to fans continually throwing baseballs onto the field during their “ball night” promotion.

You couldn’t think about doing that promotion or a bat day one today.

Finally, Babe Ruth announced his retirement in 1934.

Rose and Ruth with momentous events on the same day. Was it fate, and where do they rank on your all-time player order?

Memory Lane ... Each week, I’ll look back at a former player, manager, coach, or media personality from our yesterday.

Do you remember Phillies reliever Jose Mesa? He was signed as a free agent and spent the 2001-03 seasons with the Phils before he returned for his final season in 2007.

In four years and 246 games, “Senor Smoke” had a 13-18 record with a 4.05 ERA and 112 saves with the Phillies, second in saves behind Jonathan Papelbon.

Overall, Mesa had a 80-109 record with a 4.36 ERA and 321 saves in 1,022 games with eight different teams. His save total is 22st overall.

Where do you place Mesa among Phillies’ relievers?

Feedback ... Your thoughts? Let me know at tnsports@tnoline.com