For New York Yankees’ fans, 18 years seemed like an eternity from when the ball club last hoisted the World Series trophy in 1978. The 1996 New York Yankees were 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 (after dropping the first two games at home). 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.

Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre was in his first year as skipper for the Yankees in 1996 and one of the coaches he brought on board was Don Zimmer to serve as his bench coach. Zimmer as a player was a member of the 1955 World Champion Brooklyn Dodgers and managed four teams – the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs.

Offered is Zimmer’s 1996 Yankees ring—a Balfour 14K-gold, size 11 ¾, approximately 43.86 gram player example features a bevy of authentic diamonds forming the famous interlocking “NY” on a dark blue background with a larger diamond in the center. “WORLD CHAMPIONS” surround the perimeter with “19” on the left and “96” on the right. "ZIMMER" appears above the Commissioner's Trophy on one shank with “COURAGE” and “HEART” banners, while the Yankee logo and Yankee Stadium facade with “TRADITION” occupy the other shank. This ring comes with the original 6.25 x 3.75-inch, 2.25-inch high wooden presentation box. The top has a football shaped clear covering that has “NEW YORK YANKEES 1996 WORLD CHAMPIONS” etched in white. This ring comes with a LOA from Don Zimmer.

Auction Notepad