2023 SPRING PREMIER AUCTION

In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, America sought solace in the National Pastime. The presence of the New York Yankees in the postseason seemed to be a welcome comfort to the nation, and the drama each series held served as a welcome distraction from the uncertain future the nation faced. In the American League Division Series against Oakland, New York came back from losing the first two games and took three straight to win. Then, in the American League Championship Series, New York beat Seattle in five games to reach the World Series for the fourth consecutive year. Facing a hot Diamondbacks team, the Yankees lost the first two games in Arizona. The series then moved to New York where President Bush threw out the first pitch in one of the most emotional and inspiring moments to ever take place on a ballfield. The Yanks then went on to win the next three games to take the series lead. Moving back to Arizona, the Diamondbacks roared back behind Randy Johnson’s pitching in Game 6, then did the unthinkable by beating Yankees ace reliever Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the World Series. This is the AL Championship ring that was issued to Yankees left fielder Chuck Knoblauch. 2001 was Knoblauch’s last year with the Yankees and the team had won the pennant every year he wore the pinstripes. Despite the Yankees defeat in the 2001 Series, Chuck had the honor of scoring the winning run in Game 5 of the World Series. Chuck’s championship ring has the famous bat-and-hat Yankees logo atop a diamond-studded face with raised letters proclaiming, "Yankees American League Champions." The left shank reads, “KNOBLAUCH” above an American flag, the "NY" logo, and the word "Pride." The right shank features a baseball at the center of raised letters reading, "2001" and "TRADITION." "Chuck Knoblauch" is engraved inside the band and stamped "Balfour 14K." The ring is in exquisite condition and is accompanied by its original wooded presentation box.