This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2020
Being friends with the owner of the New York Yankees comes with its perks, and this is how Harry Mangurian came to be issued with this 1998 World Championship ring. Mangurian (1926-2008) was a successful Florida real estate developer who owned the Boston Celtics. It was a shared love of thoroughbred horse breeding that led to his friendship with another real estate developer/sports team owner, George Steinbrenner. The two men owned horse ranches in Ocala, Florida and were friends throughout the time both owned the most iconic franchises in their respective sports. Steinbrenner’s Yanks had brought the World Championship back to New York in 1996, but it was their 1998 squad that began the dynasty that would win three straight World Series. Loaded with the best talent in the league; Bernie Williams (.339 average), Tino Martinez (28 home runs), Paul O’Neill (.317 average), David Cone (20 wins), David Wells (18-4) and Mariano Rivera (36 saves), the Yanks stormed to a 114-48 regular season finish. They then swept the Rangers in the ALDS and disposed of the Indians 4 games to 2 for the AL pennant. When they swept the Padres in the World Series, the Yankees total record on the year stood at a remarkable 125 wins and 50 losses. This ring is the culmination of what may have been one of the most powerful ballclubs of the 20th century.
Issued by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner to his good friend, Celtic owner Harry Mangurian’s 10K gold 1998 World Championship ring has the unmistakable diamond encrusted Yankees “NY” logo at the center of its face, mounted atop a blue stone, surrounded by a ring of diamonds. The perimeter reads, “1998 WORLD CHAMPIONS” in raised gold letters. The left shank has “MANGURIAN” in raised letters atop a detailed depiction of the World Series trophy and Yankee Stadium above the word that sums up New York Yankees history: “TRADITION.” The opposite shank has the team’s unbelievable regular and post season record of “125-50” with the Yankees famed hat and bat logo below which, “BEST EVER” is proclaimed in gold raised letters. The interior has been stamped with the Balfour 10K hallmark. The ring shows some surface scuffs and dings from wear, but the lettering and illustrative detail remain clear and sharp. An impressive World Championship ring from one of the most dominant baseball teams ever assembled, issued to the friend of the team’s owner, Boston Celtics owner Harry Mangurian. Weight: 34 grams. Size: 9.