The wait is almost over.

We’ve waited for 15 years for the Phils to get back to the World Series, to erase the memory of that Joe Carter laser that pierced our hearts.

We’ve waited 28 years for the Phils to once again offer us the sheer delirium of being champions of the baseball world. The celebration in 1980 is still talked about in hallowed terms.

We’ve waited 25 years for a championship of any kind. The last time we’ve had the sweet taste of victory was in 1983. Since then we’ve endured 100 seasons without the sweet taste of a title.

I suppose we can wait a few more hours.

We can try to put the debacle of Monday night’s suspended game behind us. Ditto for the decision to postpone the conclusion last night.

There are those who believe all of this is a good thing, that it actually provided fans with an opportunity to recharge their batteries.

Only if they’re hooked up to portable heaters.

Look, I am as manic as anyone about the idea of the Phils finally winning something tonight.

But don’t ask me to be thrilled about the way Major League Baseball and network television treats the fans who pay the freight.

They will re-start tonight’s suspended game at 8:37 p.m., right after the half-hour political message from Democrat Barack Obama.

Not that it matters. Do you think they would have started any earlier if not for that? Yeah, sure. They probably would have moved it all the way up to 8:29. Basically all they’re canceling is the pre-game show.

But the elements remain stark. Temperature at game time is expected to be around 40 degrees. It likely will dip into the 30s during those three and a half innings. Fortunately, the fans likely will supply more than enough heat. Citizens Bank Park tonight will be positively electric. They could probably run the lights off the sparks coming out of the stands.

But some things don’t change. The season is too long, the games are played too late, too often in wintry conditions.

There are some silver linings. Since they’re only playing three and a half innings (please don’t bring up the possibility of extra innings) the game should end shortly after 10 o’clock. Kids might actually be able to see a little history being made.

Should – OK when – the Phils win, it means the party will start a little earlier as well.

We’re on the brink of history. Twenty-five years of being branded losers, an epic drought when it comes to sports championships. That’s 100 seasons of futility. Or is that phutility?

And it might end tonight.

Phinally. We’ve waited long enough.