Richie Ashburn's 1993 Philadelphia Phillies National League Championship Ring

• Sold For: $11,163
• Year: 1993
• Auction: 2011 March
• Lot #: 3
• Auction Category: Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Most “phanatical phans” of the Philadelphia Phillies still hold the 1993 National League Championship team in the highest regard because that team gave the city and the fans the slightest glimmer of hope for a championship. Recent events may show that this team of “dirty uniform” scrappers was human after all, but that should not change that these men were heroes in 1993. Of all the players and personal that received championship rings from the Phillies, one stands above all as the most revered and desirable: the offered Richie Ashburn 1993 National League Championship ring. This monumental ring was presented to Ashburn for his lifelong service to the organization and his work as the color man in the booth with Harry Kalas. This 10 karat yellow gold masterpiece was produced by Balfour and has (20) small diamonds on the obverse surrounding (4) rubies and a larger diamond as the centerpiece. Engraved around the perimeter of the ring face are the words "Phillies National League Champions" with the victorious results of the 1993 NLCS recounted on the left shank and "R. A." framing a Phillies Liberty Bell logo on the right. The only other marking on the ring is the phrase "Balfour 10K" stamped on the inside band. The overall weight of the ring is 35 grams (or 1.2 ounces), and the ring is a size 9. The ring is accompanied by a pair of letters from Richard Ashburn (Whitey’s son) proclaiming that the ring was indeed the one given to his father in 1994 for his work in the booth during the 1993 championship season. All baseball fans can join with the Phillies fans to honor the memory of this great Hall of Famer with bids on the only gold championship ring from Richie Ashburn ever offered to the public.