This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2020
Longtime ace Dave Stewart shined when it mattered most: October. A 20-game winner four straight years for his hometown Oakland A’s (1987-90), “Smoke” started the ’89 All-Star Game for the American League and later that year was named MVP of the 1989 Fall Classic (Bay Bridge Series). The three-time World Series champ got his final ring with the Toronto Blue Jays in ’93, retiring with 168 career victories along with 10 playoff wins and an impressive 2.77 postseason ERA.
In 1990, the right-handed workhorse compiled a 22-11 record with a career-best 2.56 ERA and four shutouts. One of those came on June 29th at the Skydome in Toronto which, ironically, would be his home ballpark a few years later. Coming off a brutal loss in which he pitched 10 innings – yes, ten! – his previous start, “Stew” walked the first two batters before retiring 26 straight – a dozen via strikeout – to no-hit a potent Jays lineup in Oakland’s 5-0 victory. Amazingly, it would be the first of two no-hitters in Major League Baseball on the same day – the only time this has ever happened in the modern era. Later that evening some 2,500 miles away, “Fernandomania” made a nostalgic return to Dodger Stadium as Valenzuela no-hit the Cards. The A’s – behind the power of the Bash Brothers, the speed of Rickey Henderson and the arm of Dave Stewart – continued to torment the A.L. the rest of 1990, winning 103 games before sweeping Boston in the ALCS yet again. Stewart shut down the BoSox with two identical 8-inning, 1-run gems for series MVP honors, although his team would be swept by the Reds in the World Series.
To commemorate his unforgettable no-no, Stew was awarded this spectacular 18-karat gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date watch. On the reverse is the special engraving, “Presented to Dave Stewart for his no-hitter on June 29th 1990 - A’s 5 TORONTO 0.” Better known as the “President” watch, this elegant timepiece was the prestigious brand’s first design to feature both the day and date in their own separate windows in the dial. The Rolex logo and model name are centered within the case. The day window is at 12 o’clock, while the date window is on the three-hand. Hour marks are done in Roman numerals. The Rolex emblem, “750” and “18K” hallmarks are each stamped on the back side of the band buckle. The case and band are each made of 18-karat gold. The watch weighs five ounces (140 grams) and represents the epitome of precision and class. It shows obvious wear and was likely a favorite of Stewart’s for good reason. The watch is in fine working order and remains in terrific condition with stunning presentation qualities. Personal watches worn by star athletes in honor of special sports accomplishments are rare treats for esteemed collectors.
Includes LOA signed by Dave Stewart (printed in B&W and signed in black pen).
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.