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, the 1969 "Miracle Mets" World Championship. Just 4 years later they were back in the World Series, this time coming up just short, 4 games to 3, to the powerful Oakland Athletics dynasty. Beautiful National League Championship ring was presented to George “Herbie” Walker Jr. Manufactured by Balfour, the 10k gold 1973 New York Mets National League Championship ring is in near perfect original condition with a diamond encrusted baseball set into a black stone on the face. Around the perimeter of the face reads, “New York Mets NL Champions 1973.” Design elements include a Shea Stadium relief on one side and Walker’s name bannered above the Mets logo flanked by his title “EVP” (Executive Vice President). 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 8.