Winter Auction 2015 closing February 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2015
This beautiful American League Champions ring represents the end of nearly 50 years of baseball futility. In 1995 the Cleveland Indians defied the odds by winning 100 games then sweeping the Red Sox before defeating Seattle in 6 games. The Tribe then face the Braves who ultimately prevailed. Though the Indians came up short, their World Series appearance revitalized the franchise and made Clevelander's proud again.
Unlike many Championship rings that come to market, this one was presented to and worn not by a scout or front office executive but by second baseman Carlos Baerga, whose .314 with 15 homers was instrumental in pushing the Tribe to the World Series. The All-Star hit a combined .292 in the post-season including 9 RBI, making this a particularly special championship ring.
Baerga's ring glitters with 23 diamonds arrayed around the classic "Indians" script encircled by "CLEVELAND" and "A.L. CHAMPS". Two "Chief Wahoo" characters bookend "CLEVELAND". On one shank "1995" and the teams "100-44" record flanks the Indians and Jacobs Field logos. The other shank displays the American League eagle logo with "BAERGA" and his number "9". The inside is stamped by Jostens "10K". The ring weighs approximately 44 grams and is a size 11.5. The ring shows nice wear by Carlos Baerga and comes with a signed letter of provenance from the All-Star second baseman.