First thing you need to know is that Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium was demolished (and not a moment too soon, although I saw hundreds of games there and had a soft spot in my heart for the concrete toilet that was the Vet) in 2004, and the last game played there was in September 2003.

Second thing you need to know is that this guy went to a game on June 6th of that last Phillies season at the Vet, 2003, it was “Hatfield Dollar Dog Night,” and he and a friend bought 12 hot dogs between them. One was left over.

He still has it:

He asked the Philadelphia Inquirer’s “What the Expert Says” what an original hot dog from the Vet, preserved via freezing, would be worth. With tongue, I hope, firmly in cheek, the expert said:

“This one is destined to be a classic. The care by the recipient displayed for the dog in question is nothing short of exemplary. In this case specifically the preservation of the bun was significant to its value and condition grade. These factors coupled with the obvious rarity of intact circa 2003 frankfurters all point to the potential for extraordinary value if placed before the proper interested collectors.”

Three bucks. I would think three cents would be too much. And, as someone who consumed several hot dogs at the Vet over the years, I can testify to the fact that they weren’t worth more than a buck even when they were edible.

So… what’s the weirdest keepsake you have? Surely, you’ve kept something that’s of sentimental value to nobody but you, and you can’t bear to throw it away. But I’ll also bet that it isn’t a hot dog.

HT: The 700 Level