1970 Baltimore Orioles World Series Championship Ring

• Sold For: $5,333
• Year: 1970
• Auction: 2014 April
• Lot #: 1
• Auction Category: Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

While he managed just one home run over 626 plate appearances in his three-year Major League career, former infielder Dee Phillips became the eyes and ears of a fundamentally sound Baltimore Orioles franchise that won a three-year aggregate record 318 games from 1969 through 1971. A scout in his native Texas, Phillips discovered and signed (among others) Davey Johnson. For his contributions, Phillips was awarded this 1970 World Series ring. Crafted by “Jenkins,” the size 10-1/2 14-karat gold accessory features a genuine diamond on the facing shaped like the club’s sacred Memorial Stadium venue, with a script-style “Orioles” accenting the horseshoe-shaped facility’s opening. Surrounding that design, a raised-letter proclamation of “BALTIMORE ORIOLES WORLD CHAMPIONS” is displayed in the same font as the dedication on the Memorial Stadium façade. On the right shank, a baseball-themed design includes an Orioles cap, bat, glove, “1970” in raised numerals and “D. PHILIPS” engraved on a scroll. The opposite shank is home to an engraved American League logo. A priceless relic from a team that won 108 regular-season games, swept the Twins in the ALCS and disposed on Cincinnati in a five-game fall Classic. Comes with an appraisal letter from Kripps Jewelers.The appraisal letter from Kripps Jewelers reads (in full):"Analysis: One Mens Ring, has markings in Block on top BALTIMORE ORIOLES WORLD CHAMPIONS. The ring is size 10.5, weighs 39.2 grams, marked and tested 14K yellow gold. There is one diamond in the center, approx.: 4.70 mm, G color, SI-1 clarity. Inside the ring shank there is a marking: Jenkins 14K, also on one side of the outer ring is the markings 1970 & D. PHILLIPS while the other side has insignias and a smaller 1970 marking."