It has a nice ring to it
This replica 1980 championship ring was given to fans at Veterans Stadium on April 19, 1981, the first Sunday home game of the new season. But it is no cheap, plastic, disposable item. It’s solid metal and just donated to the Hall by longtime Phils fan Duane Cosner, who was at that game as a 10-year-old child.
This ring was added to the Hall of Fame’s exhibit that’s dedicated to the 2008 World Series, Autumn Glory. Until November 2009, we will show the equipment and uniforms used in the 2008 Fall Classic, such as the Game 5 jersey of Series MVP Cole Hamels. The exhibit also includes some unusual items, such as the “Elmer Fudd” cap worn by Rays manager Joe Maddon in the cold and rain of Philadelphia and the rule book used by Commissioner Bud Selig when he made history by suspending Game 5.
The 2008 Phillies will receive rings celebrating their championship, only the second in the history of the franchise, at the beginning of the regular season. In June, the Hall will get a copy of that ring, as we do every year, and put it on display in the World Series exhibit as well. Check back later this spring to learn when the Hall of Fame’s 2008 world championship ring will go on display.
Erik Strohl is the senior director of exhibits and collections at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Erik…. that’s too cool. I was at that game as well….. I would have been 15…. I still have two of those rings… one out of the package, and one still in the package.
Bill Fuhrer
wfuhrer@comcast.net
Dear Bill,
Thanks for your note. The ring was donated by a personal friend of mine after the Phils won last year. He still remembers fondly the game in 1981 at which they were handed out. We have put the ring on display in our World Series exhibit.Thanks for touching base with the Hall of Fame and being being a fan of baseball. It’s the greatest sport on the planet and we are glad that so many others share our passion for the game.
-Erik