Published: November 20, 2008 01:38 pm      

Hall unveils Series exhibit

By ERIC AHLQVIST
Cooperstown Crier

With help from Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson and three young Philadelphia Phillies fans who happened to be in the museum Monday afternoon, the Hall of Fame unveiled its 2008 World Series exhibit.

Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson, who attended the Phillies’ Game 5 clinching game against the Tampa Bay Rays last month, drew comparison between this Phillies team and the last Philadelphia team to win the Series in 1980.

``Cole Hamels played the part of Steve Carlton, Ryan Howard played the part of Mike Schmidt and Brad Lidge played the part of Tug McGraw,’’ Idelson said. ``The eight best teams make the postseason, and the hottest usually wins it. The Phillies proved that by going 11-3 in the postseason.’’

Hamels, like Carlton a lefthanded pitcher, won the World Series MVP Award, and his jersey is the centerpiece of the exhibit. ``All of the players are extremely generous to us,’’ Idelson said. ``I’ve been doing this (collecting artifacts) for 15 years and I have yet to be refused.’’

Robinson, a Hall of Fame third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, was at the Hall for their Hall of Fame Game replacement announcement later in the day, and helped Idelson and three Phillies fans cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Also in attendance was Philadelphia’s Director of Team Travel and Clubhouse Services Frank Coppenbarger, who has worked in baseball for 28 years.

Coppenebarger said in addition to being successful on the field, the players were great to be around as well.

``There is no better group to be around than the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies,’’ he said. ``That’s not just because they won, it’s because they’re great people.’’

The items received from members of the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies:

- Jersey from World Series MVP Cole Hamels worn during Game Five

- Bat used by Ryan Howard during Game Four

- Spikes worn by Jayson Werth throughout the Series

- Cap (with earflpas because of the cold) worn by Eric Bruntlett during home games of the Series

- Helmet worn by Carlos Ruiz

- Bat used by Joe Blanton for home run in Game Four

Additional items received from the American League champion Tampa Bay Rays:

- Cap worn in Philadelphia by manager Joe Maddon

- Road jersey worn by Carl Crawford in World Series

- Spikes worn by B.J. Upton during World Series

The World Series case highlights the Museum’s Autumn Glory exhibition, documenting the history of baseball’s postseason. The 2008 World Series case will remain on exhibit through the 2009 postseason.