Auction Item Details
Lot 187
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Lot Number: 187
Description: Historic and important 1988 Vin Scully Los Angeles Dodgers World Series ring. Expectations for the 1988 Dodgers season were very modest at best. Several trades during the offseason reshaped the team whose identity was clearly with its veteran players but none more significant than the acquisition of free agent Kirk Gibson from the Detroit Tigers. Gibson was known for his slugging ability but most notably brought a much needed fierce brand of leadership to the Dodgers clubhouse. Led by outstanding seasons from Gibson and pitcher Orel Hershiser the Dodgers weaved their way to a World Series appearance by defeating the largely favored New York Mets. They were set to square off against the powerful Oakland Athletics who were resoundingly favored to end the Dodgers magical season. It was well known that Kirk Gibson was basically unavailable for the first World Series Game due to being hobbled by several injuries suffered in the NLCS. In fact, Gibson was watching the game on television from the Dodgers clubhouse while undergoing physical therapy for his injuries. During the game the NBC broadcast scanned the dugout and Vin Scully remarked on air that "Gibson was nowhere to be found". This remark prompted Gibson to inform manager Tommy Lasorda that he was able to pinch hit and began taking swings in the batting cage with the assistance of Orel Hershiser. In the meantime, the Athletics were seemingly en route to a victory in game one as star closer Dennis Eckersley entered a one run game in the ninth inning and promptly retired the first two batters faced. After a walk to Mike Davis, manager Lasorda called back Dave Anderson who had been in the on deck circle and sent Gibson limping to the plate. Gibson was clearly in trouble as he battled just to foul off Eckersley's pitches but gamely fought to earn an 8th pitch of the bat. History would be made on that 8th pitch as Gibson launched a back door slider for a walk off home run into a crazed stadium of Dodger fans. His iconic jog around the bases with a visible limp and pumping his fist in celebration remains to date one of the most recognizable images in the history of the game. During the broadcast of the home run, Vin Scully, as he is so apt to do, uttered a call for the ages, "In the year of the improbable, the impossible has happened!." Through the countless seasons of Dodgers baseball that one moment may well be the most memorable of them all. It is, without question, one of the most exciting ever called by the Hall of Fame broadcaster. Offered is Vin Scully's original 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series ring which features "1988 World Champion Dodgers" lettering encircling an inset solitaire diamond and ring of smaller diamonds on blue field. One side panel displays Dodgers team name above World Series trophy with the other having "Scully" over LA insignia. General overall light surface wear as having been worn by Vin Scully only increases the historic allure found within this incredible offering. Incredibly significant Dodgers World Series ring which may well be the most important of its type to have offered publicly. Includes letter of provenance from Vin Scully: EXClick here to watch Vin Scully recount the 1988 World Series
Estimated Price Range: ($100,000-$300,000)
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