The 1965 MLB season was a great one in Los Angeles Dodgers’ history. Although the Dodgers had won the World Series in 1963, a rash of injuries and poor play saw them fall to sixth place in the National League standings a year later. Nevertheless, they were still expected to contend in 1965 with their strong pitching. However, just one month into the season, they lost their best hitter Tommy Davis when he fractured his ankle sliding into second base. Many experts thought this ended any hopes the Dodgers had of winning the pennant. To replace Davis, the club called up journeyman Lou Johnson whose infectious, cheerful attitude and knack for timely hitting helped keep the team in contention.
As it turns out, the N.L. pennant race was a thriller, with six teams – the Dodgers, Giants, Pirates, Reds, Braves, and Phillies – in contention throughout a summer that saw the Dodgers, Giants, Braves, and Reds all take their turns sitting in first place. With the teams tightly bunched heading into September, the Giants went on a 14-game winning streak to take a 4.5 games lead with two weeks to play. Then the Dodgers went on a 13-game winning streak, and won 14 of their last 15 games to win the pennant by two games over the Giants, their arch rival. The 99-63 Dodgers were led that season by shortstop Maury Wills with 94 stolen bases, Sandy Koufax (26–8, 2.04 ERA and a then-record 382 strikeouts), and Don Drysdale (23–12, 2.77 E.R.A.) Drysdale also chipped in with his bat as he launched seven home runs and was the club's only .300 hitter.
In the World Series, the Dodgers won in seven games over the Minnesota Twins and their power-hitting first baseman, Harmon Killebrew. Drysdale pitched a complete game, 7-2 victory in Game 4 to prevent the Twins from going up, three games to one in the series. Offered here is the 14K gold ring awarded to Drysdale following the Dodger’s seven-game triumph. The ring features a real diamond at the center set in a baseball diamond motif surrounded by eight smaller diamonds and the words "Los Angeles World Champions" on top. It should be noted that this diamond was added post-1965 by Drysdale. One shank reads "1965" above the “LA Dodgers” logo, while the other shank features ball and bats imagery with Don Drysdale’s signature engraved on the baseball’s sweet spot. The band’s interior is stamped “Balfour 14k.” The size 9.5 ring is in excellent overall condition with only minor wear.
Includes LOA from the Drysdale Family.