World Series

While the New York Yankees might be thought of as favored to win the 2009 World Series, we can all use a healthy reminder that the Philadelphia Phillies mean business. After all they are the 2008 defending champs, talented and hungry for the title too. The Game 1 win might be a sign of things to come.

Already the Phillies are ahead of the game compared to the prior match up between these two teams. The last time these two teams met in the World Series, in fact the only other time, was in 1950 when the Yankees swept the Phillies 4-0. That was when the Yankee dynasty was in full throttle and their triumph over the Phillies was just the second win in what would be a streak of 5 consecutive World Series titles.

If you need a physical reminder of the success experienced by last year's Phillies team just check out the collectors' items and memorabilia offered for sale by Steiner Sports. A signed photograph of the team celebrating their 2008 victory is a great image of the joy the whole city experienced. This was the first major championship win for any Philadelphia team in any sport for over 30 years. The 16" x 20" 2008 team signed photograph has 20 signatures from the 2008 championship team. A limited edition of 100 retails for $2,500 each.

Ryan Howard, the National League MVP, hit two doubles an drove in the final run of the first game of the series. I bet some little league player would love a chance to swing an autographed bat in the privacy of their own backyard. Howard has signed a black game model bat that can be picked up from Steiner Sports for $700.

Given the bat is black, some lucky fan might even be able to win the argument that it qualifies as home decor and hang it in the living room as an elegant piece of art.

Gallery: More Phillies Memorabilia

Disappointed you didn't get tickets to the first game of the World Series this evening? Well, here's your chance to own a piece of history.

New York-based Steiner Sports is offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of history: a Yankee Stadium Ticket Booth. The price of the booth is $20,000.

The ticket booth is just one of many iconic and cherished items from the original Yankee Stadium, a landmark that is regarded as one of the most significant monuments in sports history. Yankees-Steiner Collectibles, which is a division of Steiner Sports, is the exclusive provider of game-used memorabilia from the original and current Yankee Stadium.

Steiner Sports offers many other collectibles for purchase including the seats where Reggie Jackson's monstrous home runs landed as well as the sod where Yankees legends stood to say their final goodbyes to their beloved Stadium.

The company also has an array of autographed sports memorabilia signed by the likes of Hank Aaron, Joe Namath, Muhammad Ali and Derek Jeter, among others.

The ticket booth is not available for purchase through the web; interested buyers should call Steiner Sports directly at (800) 759-SCORE or (914) 307-1000. Other memorabilia from Yankee Stadium are also available via a public sale and at auction by visiting Steiner Sports' website.

During the season, every sports fan wants a crystal ball - preferably one that will help them pick the winners for the rest of the year. This crystal ball does not have those powers of prediction, but it might be even better if you are a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Made of fully-leaded crystal from Waterford, the St. Louis 2006 World Series Commemorative Baseball celebrates the team's victory over the Detroit Tigers. A limited number of the hand-carved balls will be made, and each will be individually numbered and packed with a certificate of authenticity. Price $165.