Expert: Geoff - 9/14/2007

Question
The first year that "rings" were given to players instead of gifts

Answer
Hi Bill,

Thanks for writing.

It's important to realize that the World Series rings that are given out nowadays are STILL gifts from club ownership.  Club owners are allowed to give whatever they want to whoever they want.  The rings can be as fancy or simple as club ownership wants to make them.

As far as "When was the first time a club owner gave a player a World Series ring as a gift for winning a World Series?"  I've never discovered a credible definite answer to that one.  It was common practice by the 1920's but how long before then it started, I do not know.

Best Wishes,

Geoff