The baseball world has arrived at Philadelphia International (PHL).
With the opening of “Philadelphia Baseball Legends: The Championship Teams” on July 3, the airport pays homage to teams that have reached the top of their respective leagues and the legends who helped get them there.
“Since the Phillies won the World Series last October, Philadelphia has become a focal point of the baseball world. This is the perfect time to showcase the city’s rich baseball heritage,” says Mayor Michael A. Nutter, who was among those at the exhibit’s grand opening. “Some people may not be aware of the achievements of the great Connie Mack Athletics teams or the accomplishments of the great Negro League teams. This exhibit is not only engaging, it’s very educational.”
The exhibit highlights the stories of the city’s champion baseball clubs in black and white and color photos showing the timeline of champion teams and players. The winners of the American League in 1902, Connie Mack’s Athletics (also known as the A’s), were the first championship team. From there, the team won another AL pennant in 1905 and went on to win world championships in 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929 and 1930.
During the same time, two Philadelphia African-American teams were winning in their respective leagues. The Philadelphia Giants were Eastern champs from 1904 to 1909, and teams from 1906 and 1908 are featured in the PHL exhibit.
In addition, the Hilldale Daises/Giants were Eastern League champs in 1923, and the following year played in the first Negro World Series, losing to the Kansas City Monarchs; a year later, the team avenged the loss.
The 1939 Philadelphia Stars, winners of the 1934 Negro National League pennant, are represented in a team photo as well as photos of Slim Jones and Hall of Famer Jud Wilson.
The Phillies also have a huge role in the exhibit. The 1980 and 2008 World Series winners and the 1915, 1950, 1983 and 1993 National League pennant champs are all represented.
“This exhibit recalls many great memories for contemporary baseball fans and provides an historical perspective on Philadelphia’s long baseball past,” says Acting Aviation Director Mark Gale. “We’re very excited to be sharing this with the traveling public, especially all of the baseball fans passing through the airport. This is one of several exhibits Leah Douglas, the director of exhibitions, has organized that have a distinct Philadelphia theme and celebrates our city.”
The display, which runs through July 2010, is in Terminal A-East, post-security near Gate A-1.
