A one-of-a-kind autographed copy of the Philadelphia Inquirer celebrating the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2008 World Series victory is being sold as a fundraiser for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It is the only signed “mock” cover page—one of only three printed by the Inquirer in anticipation of the team’s Game 5 victory on Wednesday, October 29, 2008.
The edition was printed with a larger-than-usual masthead and was dated for the following day, October 30. The cover page reads “CHAMPS!” and features a photograph of catcher Carlos Ruiz celebrating with teammates Pat Burrell and Geoff Jenkins. The newspaper was seen on television, held by shortshop Jimmy Rollins and manager Charlie Manuel, just moments after the team clinched victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.
This keepsake Inquirer is signed in blue ink by 21 of the 2008 World Champion Phillies players and coaches, including: Charlie Manuel, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Jayson Werth, Brad Lidge, Shane Victorino, Carlos Ruiz, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, and others. It has been professionally matted and framed in a black and gold frame. It comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
The auction will conclude at 5 p.m. October 25. It will raise cash for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP), one of the oldest historical societies in the country and caretaker for many of the nation’s founding documents. HSP holds more than 21 million items at its library at 1300 Locust Street in Philadelphia, including the printer’s proof of the Declaration of Independence and the handwritten draft of the U.S. Constitution. HSP is also a leading repository for ethnic and immigrant history and genealogy resources. Proceeds from the auction will support the care and conservation of these nationally significant documents.
Here’s a link to the auction.
