Phil Rizzuto was a true legend in New York City. “Scooter” played for the Yankees from 1941 to 1956, winning the American League MVP Award in 1950. He won seven World Series titles with the Bronx Bombers and in 1994 was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. After his playing days, Rizzuto moved to the broadcast booth and went on to call Yankees games for 40 years. His final season as a Yankees broadcaster came in 1996, and it ended with a World Series title.

     New York was a powerhouse, winning the American League East before breezing through the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles in the AL playoffs. The season culminated with a World Series victory over the Atlanta Braves in six games. The offense the Yankees ran out was impressive to say the least. Five regulars batted over .300 (Mariano Duncan .340, Derek Jeter .314, Wade Boggs .311, Bernie Williams .305, Paul O’Neill .302). Starting pitcher Andy Pettitte won 21 games, John Wetteland saved 43 games, while Mariano Rivera posted a 2.09 ERA in a setup role.

     Presented here is Rizzuto’s 1996 World Series championship ring. The face of the ring features nearly two dozen small round diamonds that are set to form the team’s NY logo, which sits atop a large blue stone. The stone is surrounded by relief work along the bezel that reads “WORLD CHAMPIONS 1996”. The left side of the band includes the name “RIZZUTO” the words “COURAGE” and “HEART” on banners, and a depiction of the World Series Commissioner’s Trophy. On the opposite shank is an image of Yankee Stadium’s façade, along with the team logo. “TRADITION” appears at the bottom. This Balfour 10K ring weighs approximately 42.3 grams and is an approximate size is 10 ½.

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