In 1972, Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams led the Oakland Athletics to their first American League pennant since 1931 despite the machinations and gimmicks foisted upon the team by the eccentric owner Charlie Finley, setting up a World Series matchup with the formidable Big Red Machine of the Cincinnati Reds. Williams proceeded to turn in one of the great managing performances of baseball history, dealing with the absence of star slugger Reggie Jackson to lead the Athletics to an improbable seven game World Series victory. Every game except Game 6, an 8-1 Cincinnati victory, was decided by one run, with the A’s picking up victories by scores of 3-2, 2-1, 3-2, and 3-2 in the deciding Game 7. Gene Tenace won the World Series Most Valuable Player award, crushing four home runs and knocking in nine of Oakland’s 16 total runs. Williams went on to lead the A’s to a second consecutive World Series title the next season, although repeated clashes with Finley saw him resign after the 1973 season. Williams would go on to manage the California Angels, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners before being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.

     This gleaming Commissioner’s Trophy was presented to Williams after winning the 1972 World Series. The circular base is etched with “Oakland A’s 1972 World Champions”, as well as the names of the players and coaches that made up the A’s first World Series winning team since 1930. A silver baseball etched with “1972” is placed on the center of the circular pedestal, while gold stems topped with flags bearing the name of each MLB team encircle the base. A circular gold band with a crown placed at the top arches over the baseball. A green plaque bearing the results of each game is located on the base, with two logo pins, one bearing the insignia of each team, are placed behind the plaque. This trophy measures roughly 24 inches tall and 12 inches in diameter.

     This trophy is accompanied by a signed 8 x 10 inch photograph of Williams in his Kelly green and gold A’s uniform. He inscribed “I hope you enjoy my 1972 World Series trophy – a great year” and “Your Friend, Dick Williams” in blue marker. This photograph comes with a COA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (C84501).

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