GaryMrMets
03-01-2004, 11:26 PM
http://www.msgnetwork.com/content_news.jsp?articleID=v611502-27-04-1742EST&newsgroup=ap.sportsml.baseball.mlb.news&sports=baseball&team=other&league=mlb
Mets' Phillips cherishes honor by Ted Williams museum
Feb 27, 2004
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) - Before reporting for spring training, Jason Phillips took a side trip he says he'll remember forever.
The Mets first baseman was honored by the Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame as the National League rookie of the year.
On Feb. 13, Phillips and AL honoree Rocco Baldelli of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays toured the museum. The next morning, Phillips played on the world-class Black Diamond Ranch Golf Course, and the day after that he attended his induction ceremony.
"Just to see the old-time guys in there was great," Phillips said. "Their stories and wanting to relate to us younger players to work hard was good."
Phillips said that he was most impressed when he met Dom DiMaggio.
"He's got a bunch of stories and we talked for 10 to 15 minutes," Phillips said. "Anytime you talk to somebody like that it's an honor. They know who you are and it makes all your sweat and hard work worth it."
The hitters museum was founded 11 years ago by Ted Williams, and is located in the city of Hernando in rural Citrus County in West-Central Florida.
Phillips hit .298 with 11 homers and 58 RBIs for the Mets last season.
The Hitters Hall of Fame selection committee said Phillips was selected over several rookies in the National League because he reflected the criteria that were originally established by Ted Williams.
Phillips' New York Mets uniform will hang in the Hall alongside other greats in the game such as Tony Gwynn, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken and Barry Bonds.
Mets' Phillips cherishes honor by Ted Williams museum
Feb 27, 2004
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) - Before reporting for spring training, Jason Phillips took a side trip he says he'll remember forever.
The Mets first baseman was honored by the Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame as the National League rookie of the year.
On Feb. 13, Phillips and AL honoree Rocco Baldelli of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays toured the museum. The next morning, Phillips played on the world-class Black Diamond Ranch Golf Course, and the day after that he attended his induction ceremony.
"Just to see the old-time guys in there was great," Phillips said. "Their stories and wanting to relate to us younger players to work hard was good."
Phillips said that he was most impressed when he met Dom DiMaggio.
"He's got a bunch of stories and we talked for 10 to 15 minutes," Phillips said. "Anytime you talk to somebody like that it's an honor. They know who you are and it makes all your sweat and hard work worth it."
The hitters museum was founded 11 years ago by Ted Williams, and is located in the city of Hernando in rural Citrus County in West-Central Florida.
Phillips hit .298 with 11 homers and 58 RBIs for the Mets last season.
The Hitters Hall of Fame selection committee said Phillips was selected over several rookies in the National League because he reflected the criteria that were originally established by Ted Williams.
Phillips' New York Mets uniform will hang in the Hall alongside other greats in the game such as Tony Gwynn, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken and Barry Bonds.