You might know Tom McCarthy for his past associations with the Mets, Rutgers and Princeton.

Now in the second season of a five-year broadcasting contract with the Phillies, McCarthy, a native of Jersey City and Central Jersey resident, is as excited as anyone as far as the 2009 World Series is concerned.

The 41-year-old, who became the lead TV voice for the Phillies after the sudden death of legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas, expects the type of World Series fans will remenber for decades.

“With these two teams, the way they play the game and the way they match up, I expect an old-time type, slug-it-out series.  I’m as excited to be part of this as anything I’ve been involved in.

Including Princeton’s 43-41 upset of UCLA in the 1996 NCAA Tournament.

What one likes about McCarthy is not only has he worked hard to solidify his spot as an up-and-coming baseball voice, he continues to work to get better. He is one of two former Trenton Thunder voices – Tampa Bay’s Andy Freed is the other – to land a coveted position with a big-league team.

So, Tom, what do the Phillies need to do against the Yankees to defend their World Championship.

“The keys are definitely pitching and solid defense,’’  he said.  “You can’t make mistakes and let opportunities go by against the Yankees. Look what happened with both the Twins and the Angels. Their mistakes killed them in those series.

“With the Yankees, you don’t want to create anymore problems.’’

The Phils and Yanks met in a three-game series in May, with Philadelphia winning a pair. McCarthy feels there is a bit of value for the Phils because of that series.

“As far as who won the games isn’t important,’’ he said. “The teams, especially the Yankees, with what (Phil) Hughes and the rest of the guys have done in the bullpen, are a lot different.

“I do feel, however, it helps that the Phillies got to play three games in the new Yankee Stadium and are at least familiar with it.’’

McCarthy also feels lefty Cliff Lee, if called upon, could equal the Yankees’ C.C. Sabathia if each pitches three times in the World Series. Lee, then with Cleveland, did beat the Yankees in April.

“If Cliff is called upon to make three starts, I know he’s up to it,’’ said McCarthy.  “He knows a little but more about the Yankees hitters.’’

So does former Oakland pitcher Joe Blanton, now part of the Philadelphia starting staff. In fact, the Phillies, with players such as sluggers Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth, mixed with top-of-the lineup speedsters like Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins, resemble an American League team more than any other NL club.

Tags: 2009 World Series, Harry Kalas, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Princeton, Tom McCarthy