This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/4/2021
This stunning 1999 New York Yankees World Series ring was presented to the late Gene “Stick” Michael. Michael had a modest playing career that spanned from 1966 to 1975 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. Upon retiring as a player, Michael joined the New York Yankees coaching staff, where he especially excelled as a scout. Reggie Jackson gave credit to Michael’s scouting reports that enabled him to belt three home runs against the Dodgers in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. Michael would serve as manager of the Yankees from 1981-82 and as general manager from 1980-81 and 1991-1995 where he was responsible for the drafting of and signings of players like Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada that formed the famed “Core Four” group that led the Yankees to four World Series titles in five seasons.
The offered treasure is Michael's size 12 Balfour 14-karat gold ring and is arguably one of the most outlandish in the vast history of the franchise. The ring has 25 small diamonds adorning the team's iconic "NY" logo on the front , resting on a blue stone, with another nearly four dozen small diamonds encircling the logo, interrupted by "19" and "99" on each side. On the right shank is "MICHAEL" atop an intricate engraving of Yankee Stadium and the World Series Trophy, "25th" referring to the number of World Series titles and the word "Tradition"; on the other shank features the well-known Top Hat Logo, another graphic representing the Stadium facade and banners that read "The Century's Team," and "25th World Championship." Inside the interior band are Balfour, 14K and the copyright symbol. The ring is protected in a pristine, black velvet jewelry bag and is accompanied by the original presentational box. Comes with a Letter of Authenticity from the Michael's son, Mark.