Collectors Guide: Phillies World Series Programs
Collecting World Series programs is an affordable way to remember a team’s post-season run during a particular baseball season. Until 1974 the World Series programs were unique by team. Since then, they have been unified under a single cover design with “local” differences being identified within the pages of the book. While mainly acquired at the stadium during a given post-season series, today’s programs are also available for sale through the team (and Major League Baseball’s) website.
The Phillies post-season track record has been relatively sparse – with only two World Championships (28 years apart) over more than 125 years of existence. There have been periods of greatness, though…
1915 - Phillies/Red Sox
Led by Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland, the 1915 Phillies took on Babe Ruth and the Red Sox in the World Series. Because fewer than 60,000 fans attended the three games held in the Baker Bowl, this World Series scorecard is one of the rarest items that a program collector can find. Boston Version: $4,000 - 8,000; Philadelphia Version: $10,000 - 15,000
1950 - Phillies/Yankees
The Series matched up the upstart Whiz Kids against the Joe DiMaggio-led New York Yankees. Though closer than the record indicates, the Yankees swept the Series in four games. More New York editions were printed than Philadelphia editions. The lasting popularity of the Whiz Kids also helps keep prices high. New York Version: $50-75 Philadelphia Version: $60-100
1964 - Phantom Series Program
After a historic losing streak in September, the 1964 Phils lost the pennant to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Phillies 12 game lead seemed so sure that the team printed a six-page mock up of the World Series program. It contained a cover and advertising only. The white flag was reserved for the American League participant. It is interesting to note the team eventually used the cover art for their 1966 Yearbook. Because the phantom program is so scarce, condition is not a price driver. $200-400
1980 - Phillies/Royals
Led by Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton, the Phillies finally achieved the title of "World Champions" beating the Royals in 1980. Cover art for both city versions is identical, with only visible differences being within the pages, including specialized team sections and advertising. A retail version was also sold via mail order. This program is not difficult to find in any format. All Versions: $10-15
1983 - Phillies/Orioles
The team's first golden-age ended with a 4 - 1 Series loss to the Baltimore Orioles in 1983. There were two versions available: stadium (identical for both Philadelphia and Baltimore) and retail (available by mail order). Cover differences are slight, with the retail edition including the team logos in the bottom right-hand corner. The 104-pages in both are the same - with no unique team specifications. All Versions: $10-15
1993 - Phillies/Blue Jays
The surprising 1993 Phillies took defending champion, Toronto Blue Jays to six games before losing in dramatic fashion. By this time, mass production and distribution of the programs was in full effect. The cover for both stadium versions are identical with fall scene and team logos; retail version includes League logos and a UPC label. There was also a "commemorative" edition released after the Series.
Stadium Version: $5-10 ; Retail Version: $5-10 ; Commemorative Version: $10
2008 - Phillies/Rays
Led by former MVPs Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, the 2008 Phillies captured the franchise's second World Championship. This season's program cover features one player from each Series participant (Chase Utley and Evan Longoria). The programs were generic in almost every way possible - with the same version being sold in both stadiums and retail outlets. Also, a variant was produced and distributed by MLB licensee, "MLB Insider" - noted by the publication's logo in the bottom left corner. All Versions: $10
2009 - Phillies/Yankees
The 2009 World Series will likely be remembered by Phillies fans as "The One That Got Away." The talented Phillies got beat by the Yankees, 4 games to 2. The program offering was identical to the previous year, and is relatively easy to find on the secondary market. All Versions: $10