The Philadelphia Phillies erased a quarter century of heartache for Philadelphia sports fans by winning the 2008 World Series, the city’s first major professional sports championship since 1983. Behind the arms of sole ace pitcher Cole Hamels and closer Brad Lidge, the Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays four games to one.

In his new book, “Phillies Journal 1888-2008,” author Max Blue gives the history of the long-suffering franchise, from 1888 to last year’s memorable run. The book begins with Ed “Big Ed” Delahanty, the first great Phillie, and his four inside-the-park home runs in one game, and ends with current Phillie Chase Utley on the platform of Citizens Bank Park, proclaiming the Phillies 2008 “World (Bleeping) Champions.” Blue discusses the book June 23 at the Penn Bookstore.

Blue’s book also highlights the 1915 World Series, which featured the Phillies versus the Boston Red Sox; a pitch-by-pitch account of Grover Cleveland Alexander’s 1916 season in which he won 32 games (with 16 shutouts); and the 1922 game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in which the Phillies came back from a 19-run deficit, only to lose 26-23 in a nine-inning game.

The event takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 215-898-7595 or visit www.upenn.edu/bookstore.