This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Believe it or not, the late Walter "Red" Barber was Vince Scully's predecessor as the voice of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Barber was a longtime sports commentator nicknamed "The Ol' Redhead" who was primarily identified with radio broadcasts of MLB teams including the Cincinnati Reds (1934–1938), the Brooklyn Dodgers (1939–1953), and the New York Yankees (1954–1966). He passed away in 1992 at the age of 84.
This lot features a 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers National League Champions 14K Gold ring that was issued to Red Barber for his significant contributions to the team. It's a ring that originates from one of the most significant seasons in history; the year Jackie Robinson shattered baseball's color barrier. Not one to rest on his laurels, Robinson also led his team to the N.L. pennant (94-60) and won the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award that season. Barber was there for it all. Ultimately, however, the Dodgers fell to their cross-town rival Yankees in seven games in the Fall Classic. The size 6.5 ring is beautiful and includes engraved manufacturing information "MURCHISON NEWARK - 14K" on the inside band along with "Walter Barber 1947." Both shanks feature the "Dodgers" logo (one side engraved, one side embossed), the face is encircled with raised lettering of "BROOKLYN BASEBALL CLUB," and the cherry on top is a genuine diamond centered within an oval Dodger-blue stone. The ring's condition is truly immaculate with sharp detail considering it's 70 years old. A remarkable keepsake from a landmark season, one of the most significant in Major League Baseball history.
Includes Letter of Provenance from daughter-in-law of Barber's doctor.