During a run of seven seasons, from 1947 through 1953, the Brooklyn Dodgers were undeniably one of the best teams in all of Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, they didn’t have even a single World Series title to show for it. The Dodgers made it to the Fall Classic in 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953, only to fall short of the ultimate prize each time. What was even more frustrating – as if the losses weren’t enough – was the fact that on each of these occasions, the Dodgers were beaten by the cross-town New York Yankees, with the Series twice going the full seven games.

     At long last, and with great relief to all of their fans, the Dodgers finally crossed the finish line in 1955, reaching baseball’s summit after an epic seven-game World Series victory. Their opponent? Naturally, the Yankees. That Brooklyn team – which finished the regular season with a record of 98-55 – was loaded with baseball legends such as Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella and 19-year-old rookie Sandy Koufax. With all of the stars on that team, it was Snider who shone the brightest. Snider batted .309 in 1955 to go along with 42 home runs and a league-leading 136 RBIs. Mix in 126 runs scored (which also led the league), 104 walks and a .628 slugging percentage, and Snider was as feared a hitter as anyone in the league that season. He continued his domination in the World Series that year, hitting .320 with four home runs and an astonishing .840 slugging percentage.

     Offered here is a salesman sample presented to Hall of Famer Duke Snider of a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series championship ring. The ring’s face features the words “BROOKLYN WORLD CHAMPIONS” in relief work that surround a cubic zirconium in the center - on a baseball diamond shaped setting - with a round light blue stone background. One side of the band features a baseball over crossed bats. The baseball is quite exquisite, featuring enamel stitches along with a facsimile of Snider’s signature in blue. Appearing below the ball/bats is Brooklyn’s “B” logo. Appearing on the other side of the ring is the Dodgers logo in blue enamel script, against the background of a globe. The word “FIRST” appears above the globe, with “1955” down below. The ring is a size 10 and weighs 32 grams. White gold and 10kt. This item represents a true piece of baseball history, as Brooklyn would once again lose in the World Series to the Yankees – and again in 7 games - in just the following year (1956), before leaving town and moving to Los Angeles after the 1957 season. But the players and their fans will forever be able to savor 1955 - the season the Brooklyn Dodgers won their only World Series title.

Auction Notepad