This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2011
George “Herbie” Walker Jr., great-uncle of former President George Bush Sr., co-founded the New York Mets with an investor group led by Whitney heiress Joan Payson in 1960. The New York Mets debuted in 1962 with colorful veteran manger Casey Stengel at the helm. Though his “Amazin’ Mets” finished last in a 10-team league all four years of his tenure, Stengel is largely responsible for planting the seeds from which the Mets would ultimately reap glory. That glory came in 1969. Driven by a surprisingly dominant pitching from a young staff that included ace Tom Seaver, along with Jerry Koosman (17-9 record), Nolan Ryan and Tug McGraw, the Mets mounted a late season rally to claim first place and went on to a stunning sweep of a Braves team led by Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro. In the World Series, Baltimore won the opener, but the Mets won the next four to capture the first championship in Mets history. This exquisite symbol of the “Miracle Mets” improbable feat was presented to George “Herbie” Walker Jr. Manufactured by Jostens, the 10k gold 1969 New York Mets World Series ring is in near perfect original condition with a diamond set into a blue stone on the face. Around the perimeter of the face reads, “New York Mets World Champions 1969.” Design elements include a Shea Stadium relief on one side and Walker’s name bannered above the Mets logo flanked by his title “BD” and “DIR” (Board of Directors). His name is engraved inside the band in the form of his facsimile signature. As the team’s second-largest shareholder, Herbie introduced a young George W. Bush to box seats, big-shot status, and the other joys of professional-sports-team ownership. This is a significant piece of New York Mets history from a prominent figure in the early development of the franchise. Size 7-1/4.