Philadelphia's most valuable piece of hardware, the World Series Trophy, continues to rack up the frequent-flyer miles.
The trophy, won by the Phillies on the cold night of Oct. 29, 2008, has touched down in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Dallas as part of its tour.
By Sunday's Opening Night, the trophy will have traveled more than 20,000 miles and will have been seen by more than 145,000 fans, according to Phillies marketing coordinator Jamie Trout.
"Our goal was to share the World Series Trophy with Phillies fans throughout the region and we feel we've accomplished that goal," Trout said in an e-mail.
Trout said the trophy has made more than 130 appearances, both public and private. It has been to seven states: Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas.
"Everywhere the trophy has appeared we've been reminded just how meaningful the Phillies winning the 2008 World Series was to so many fans of all ages," Trout said.
"We weren't sure what to expect at first, but we learned very quickly that everywhere the trophy appeared there would be a large crowd."
A large crowd wearing wall-to-wall smiles along with their red World Series champions shirts. *
- Chuck Bausman
