Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2014
It is extremely rare to find a World Series ring issued to actual players due to the fact most are treasured family keepsakes that are handed down from generation to generation. It is rarer still when the player was one of the greatest of his generation, and a first ballot Hall of Famer. The Josten’s 14K gold ring displays a single real 1-carat diamond set within a large green stone on the face. Along the perimeter in raised relief is "World Champions 1972." The left shank features the A's team logo set within a baseball design. Above the logo is the name of the city, "OAKLAND," and below it the name of the player "HUNTER," each lettered in relief. The right shank features, in descending order, a banner reading "WORLD SERIES," the Series result, "A's 4 - REDS 3," a second banner bearing the scripted engraved signature name of "Charles O. Finley," and the letters "S + S = S." Within the band is stamped "Jostens 14K" with “Jim “Catfish” Hunter” engraved.
According to published reports, Finley paid $3,000 a piece for the team's 1972 rings, which was a sizable amount at that time and quite contrary to his cheapskate ways. Finley was so cheap even his own personal 1972 World Series ring contained a CZ stone! Interestingly, in 1973 and 1974 Finley intentionally ordered very cheap World Series rings in retaliation for what he perceived was an ungrateful response by his players after receiving their 1972 rings. Finley famously claimed only three players sent him thank you notes. Therefore, this ring represents the only significant World Series ring issued during the team's 1972-1974 dynasty. During the 1972 Series, Hunter was a key to the A’s stirring seven game series win over the Cincinnati Reds. Hunter started and won game 2, started game 5 with a no decision in the A’s 5-4 loss, then came back in relief on one day rest in Game 7, throwing 2.2 innings, and earning the clinching victory. When discussion focuses on the most dramatic and exciting World Series of all time, the 1972 Series often gets overlooked. However, each game but one was a one-run nail biter and manager decisions were intense late in games. Rollie Fingers pitched in six of the seven games, saving Hunter’s Game 7 win. This is a superb ring from one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, from one of his most determined post season performance, the first of three consecutive Oakland A’s World Series titles. Near Mint condition. Comes with a letter of authenticity which was signed on his behalf by his wife, as he Hunter was stricken by ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) at the time and unable to sign his name.