In 2009, the New York Yankees opened the season in a brand new stadium, built basically across the street from their old one. The beloved “House That Ruth Built,” which opened its doors in 1923, was replaced by a $1.2 billion piece of architecture that mirrored the old stadium’s dimensions but upgraded other elements of the ballpark. Interestingly, the new stadium’s seating capacity was 6,000 seats less than its predecessor: 50,287. The Yankees were no doubt revitalized by their new digs and promptly set out to capture their 27th World Series championship.
Under the direction of second-year head coach Joe Girardi, who wore uniform number 27, the Yanks did indeed win their 27th title. They posted a regular-season record of 103-59 before taking care of both the Minnesota Twins (three games to none) and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (four games to two) in the American League divisional and championship rounds. In the World Series, the Bronx Bombers outlasted the N.L. Champion Philadelphia Phillies in six games. New York’s designated hitter Hideki Matsui was named World Series MVP after batting .615 (8-for-13) with three home runs. This title also marked the fifth and final championship for longtime Yankee Team Captain Derek Jeter.
This lot features a 2009 New York Yankees 14K gold World Series championship ring. In the ultimate symbol of the Bronx Bombers' return to brilliance, one in which they christened the new Stadium just like the old one – with a World Series title. The Yankees organization spared no expense in the creation of this gem-encrusted treasure, boasting 109 brilliant cut diamonds (one for each year of the Yankees existence), and four more square step cut diamonds to mark each base of the baseball diamond theme, which contains the classic "NY" logo inset upon a blue stone. The 14K white gold body of the ring features the team logo and word "Tradition" on one shank as well as the recipient's surname, that of the Yankees staffer, Aaron Butler. The other sight shank features the new park in miniature with text reading: "World Champions, 2009, Unity." Interior band is stamped "Balfour 14k" and "Yankee Stadium, 2009, Inaugural Season." The ring’s size is 9.5 and its weight is 46 grams. The original small wooden display box with “2009 WORLD CHAMPIONS NY” on top is included.