HOUSTON — An hour before Game 6, John Middleton stood in the tunnel that led to the field at Minute Maid Park. He was told to enjoy the evening. His Phillies faced elimination in the World Series, the title Middleton has coveted since 2009. “It’s hard to enjoy it,” he replied. “John,” he was told, “this is all bonus.” “You know what?” he replied. “You’re right.” Four hours later, the Phillies were done, 4-1 losers in Game 6. Their season was finished. The irascible 2022 ballclub, filled with the most charismatic characters since the upstart 1993 team, had spent themselves. The bats went quiet,…
