This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Featured here are two gems issued to former Major Leaguer, Gene Oliver, who played ten seasons (1959-69), primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Braves. Serving as a valuable utility man, Oliver played catcher, first base and even in the outfield while providing pop in the lineup. After debuting in '59 with the Cardinals, Oliver spent most of the next two seasons in the minors. In 1961, he won the Pacific Coast League home run title with 36 round-trippers while batting .302 and driving in 100 runs for the Portland Beavers (AAA). Satche Paige also played for the Beavers briefly in '61. For his efforts, Oliver earned PCL All-Star Game honors and received the offered Bullova wristwatch. He also spent 22 games with the Big League club in '61 where he batted .269 with four homers and 9 RBI. Oliver's best MLB season was 1965 with the Braves when he belted 21 dingers in 392 at-bats.
Made of stainless steel with 10 karat rolled-gold plating, the watch features a baseball diamond design on the face with "ALL STAR GAME" and 'P.C.L. 1961" face. "Gene Oliver" is engraved on the back. The reverse side is also stamped "BULLOVA MO -10K RGP BEZEL - STAINLESS STEEL BACK". The flexible watchband made by Speidel USA is double layered with the top section in 1/40 10 karat rolled-gold plating (marked as such on the inside). The watch shows significant wear and does not run, but may just need a new battery installed.
The 1979 Midwest League Champions ring was issued to Gene Oliver as minor league coach for the Quad City Cubs (A) who won the league with a 77-56 record after defeating the Waterloo Indians in the championship. Face has "MIDWEST LEAGUE CHAMPIONS" surrounding a blue stone with "1979" on one shank and "OLIVER" on the other. Back stamped "BALFOUR QUASAR PLUS." Shows moderate wear and comes in a baseball-themed case.