This lot closes on May 23rd, 2021 at 10:00 PM EDT for initial bids.

The late Sheldon “Chief” Bender was the quintessential “baseball lifer”. Bender was the Cincinnati Reds farm director during the “Big Red Machine” Era that won back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976, along with World Series appearances in 1970 and 1972. Bender, who was born in St. Louis, served in various capacities in professional baseball for 64 years. Bender’s playing career ending following World War II and then served as manager for the Albany Cardinals of the Georgia-Florida League in 1949.

Bender led the Albany Cardinals to a 96-42-2 regular season record, before the Cards defeated the Americus Phillies 3-1 in the league semi-finals and the Waycross Bears in the finals 4-1 to win the title. Presented here is the very championship ring presented to Sheldon “Chief” Bender for leading his Albany Cardinals to the Georgia-Florida League title in 1949. This 10-karat gold ring has a large red stone on the top with a cz stone in the center of the red stone. Around the red stone is ‘GEORGIA FLORIDA LEAGUE CHAMPIONS” in raised lettering. Both shanks have the “Cardinals” bat with two birds logo, a baseball diamond and “ALBANY” recessed in banner on the bottom with “1949” in raised lettering below. On the inside is engraved “HJ10K” and the initials “S” and “B”. The ring is a size 8 ¼, weighs approximately 12.62 grams and is in good overall condition, showing age wear. Also included with this lot is a 6 x 9-inch 16-page “OFFICIAL SCORECARD 1949 ALBANY CARDINALS BASEBALL CLUB” scorecard/book. The scorecards in this book are un-scored and is in good overall condition given its age – only displaying minor fading and edge wear and a chip in the lower left corner. The ring comes with a LOA from Jim Bender, Sheldon “Chief” Bender’s father authenticating that these items belonged to his father. Please note that the LOA mentions an original presentation box. This item is NOT included in this lot.

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