The late Gene “Stick” Michael had a modest playing career that spanned from 1966 to 1975 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. Michael’s last days of a player were with the Boston Red Sox in 1976, but was never used and released in May of that season. Upon retiring as a player, Michael joined the New York Yankees coaching staff, where he especially excelled as a scout. Reggie Jackson gave credit to Michael’s scouting reports that enabled him to belt three home runs against the Dodgers in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. Michael would serve as manager of the Yankees from 1981-82 and as general manager from 1980-81 and 1991-1995 where he was responsible for the drafting of and signings of players like Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada that formed the famed “Core Four” group that led the Yankees to four World Series titles in five seasons.

Michael was born in Kent, Ohio and went to high school at Akron East High School in Akron, Ohio and then played his college baseball at Kent State University. Because of his professional and amateur exploits, Michael was inducted into the Akron Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993. Michael was presented with this 10K gold Akron Hall of Fame induction ring, which comes from his personal collection. The top of this ring has a large blue stone with “AKRON BASEBALL HALL OF FAME” on the outside in raised relief. The left shank has “MICHAEL” and a baseball with a batter taking a swing image, all in raised relief. The opposite shank has “1993”, “17” engraved on a baseball image and “SS” engraved on an image of home plate, all in raised relief. “17” was the number he wore with the Yankees. “Gold Lance © 10K” is engraved on the inside band and this ring is a size 11 ¼ and weighs approximately 18.43 grams. This ring is in good condition.

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