This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
Just after their loss to the Pirates in the 1971 World Series, the Baltimore Orioles were invited on an 18-game tour versus Japanese Central and Pacific League teams. This O’s team was the best Charm City had ever fielded, winning three straight pennants and a World Championship in 1970. The Orioles finished the tour with a 12–2–4 record and played before an estimated 450,000 fans. As a memento of this historic tour, the Orioles were awarded 10K gold rings with a custom design created just for the tour. This example belonged to center fielder Paul Blair, an important component in the Orioles run of three consecutive American League pennants. Blair’s 10K gold ring has “BALTIMORE ORIOLES A.L. CHAMPIONS 1971” in raised letters surrounding a black stone surmounted by a round diamond which has been added after the ring was originally issued. The right shank has “OF BLAIR 6” in a ribbon atop three pennants bearing the years “1969,” “1970,” and “1971” and “THREE STRAIGHT.” The American League eagle completes the design. The left shank has the Oriole bird atop a globe with “JAPANESE TOUR” and “1971” in raised letters. The inside bears the ”BALFOUR 10K” stamping. The ring shows great wear with surface scuffs from use and wear on some of the raised elements. A great piece earned and worn by one of the stars of the great late 1960s and early 1970s Orioles teams.