Brad Lidge Teams Up With Local Artist Jordan Spector, and the Results are Incredible

I had Brad Lidge on the line on the 16th anniversary of the 2008 Phillies championship. So I had to ask: 

Do the guys celebrate the occasion each year? Is there some kind of group text?

"There is a group text for the bullpen guys," said Lidge. "I tend to think that we stay in communication more than most other bullpens or most other aspects of baseball teams. Bullpen guys are, just kind of by nature, super-tight.

"So we still stay in touch a ton . . . We'll definitely throw out 'Happy Anniversary' on days like today. Then the texts might spiral in whatever direction." 

Lidge and I are joined by Jordan Spector, a Temple University football player-turned-artist. Spector has previously been commissioned by professional athletes (such as Brian Dawkins and Bryce Harper), along with companies in the sports industry (such as Fanatics and the Eagles).

The two have teamed up to create "Jordan Spector x Brad Lidge 'Lights Out' Immortals" collectibles. Spector's website indicates that "Immortals trading cards offer a refined perspective on remarkable individuals who have undeniably shaped our sports world." The cards "celebrate a legacy that transcends time, a career that remains unforgettable."

Brad Lidge with Immortals collectibles. Photo via Jordan Spector.I'm tempted to keep the conversation on the group texts. Are they just like mine? Does Scott Eyre drop in fire memes? Which reliever throws out links to obviously fake news and asks "CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS??"

Ever the consummate professional, however, I let Lidge move on.

"This day, for me, always brings back this incredible memory that I never get tired of thinking about or talking about. We're just so fortunate to have been part of such a great team. It's hard to win a World Series, and we did it, and it's something we're all super-proud of."

The Immortals collectibles include pieces of game-used baseballs from the 2008 postseason. Lidge says the balls came out of his personal collection, straight from his memorabilia room.

"I thought it was a really cool way to be able to give back something to the fans that are gonna collect these, the fans that made my experience in Philadelphia so incredible," said the reliever. "I would not have done this for many projects, but for this one it felt right."

Lidge and Spector linked up through a mutual friend, then worked together to bring the new collectibles to life.

"We went back and forth, I was sharing what I was creating, and we kind of just ran with it," Spector said.

© Jerry Lai | 2008 Oct 29

The collectibles are filled with details that die-hard Phillies fans are sure to appreciate. From Spector's online description:

"Since pieces of 2008 Phillies playoff game-used baseballs are central to the project, every design detail ties back to that theme. In the background of the first card, you'll find remnants of the World Series trophy, etched alongside words like 'LIGHTS OUT' and '48/48.' Numerals along the border add up to 48, symbolizing [Lidge's] perfect season, while baseballs and laces are embedded within the leather.

"At the center is Lidge in two iconic poses: his pitching stance, moments before the World Series-winning throw, and his unforgettable celebratory slide . . . On the back of each card, you'll find unique insights, including a career highlight from Lidge, his impressive stats and accolades, a personal note from [Spector], and a fun fact about [Lidge's] archaeological studies."

Photo via spectorsportsart.com

Say less, just take my money.

Lidge lives in Colorado nowadays, but visits Philly often.

"This is my home away from home," Lidge said. "Feels like every time I come out here, as soon as I land, I get goosebumps and chills. And always run into some amazing fans. I have a ton of friends out here, I still love coming out here, so I do it whenever I can."