Expert: Tom Schott - 9/26/2007

Question
What year were the rings first given to the world champs?

Answer
Mark,

According to an article in “Sports Illustrated” from April 29, 1985, the first championship memento was probably a diamond-studded watch fob in 1906.  That led to watches, pendants, and in 19[3]2, the first World Series rings.  Since 1932, every Series winning team has received a ring – a custom that became a rule, legend says, when an owner in the ‘40’s threatened to “stiff” his team.  The rule provides that each champion player and coach be given “ an appropriate memento, to cost $300.00 including tax at league expense”.  Present day rings cost thousands each.