This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 4/30/2009.
This ring comes to us from the personal collection of former Baltimore Oriole Benny Ayala. The Orioles, who narrowly missed the playoffs in 1982, were managed by first year skipper Joe Altobelli. They were blessed with two future Hall of Famers, first-baseman Eddie Murray and shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr. A year from retirement, Ken Singleton settled into the DH role while the rest of the team were a corps of platoon players. These Orioles would finish first in team homeruns (168), first in OBP (.340) and second in runs, doubles, and walks. Their offense was led by shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., the American League MVP, and first baseman Eddie Murray, the MVP runner-up. The Baltimore pitching staff of Scott McGregor, Mike Boddicker, Mike Flanagan, and Storm Davis was quite solid and led the American League in shutouts. The Orioles won the A.L. East, and then defeated the Chicago White Sox in the ALCS. They then went on to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies in a five game World Series. This size 12-1/2 ring is cast in yellow gold. On the top perimeter in gold letters is “World Champions 1983” in relief. On the top center is raised “Orioles” in script, set amidst 19 small genuine diamonds. On the right shank are the 1983 World Series and Orioles logos in relief. On the left shank is the player name “Ayala” in relief with a rendition of the World Series Trophy and a home plate in relief. On the inside of the ring is stamped “Balfour 10K.” EXMT with light overall wear and some minor scratches. Accompanied by a LOA from Benny Ayala, which reads in part, “This is my 1983 Baltimore Orioles World Series Championship Ring.”