1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series Championship Ring Presented to Omar Moreno - From the Omar Moreno Collection!

Sold For:

$45,600

Year:

1979

Auction:

2022 Summer

Lot #:

2422

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Presented from Omar Moreno's personal collection is his 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Championship ring. (This is one of a number of items consigned to this auction from Moreno.) The design features 10 small diamonds set within the Pirates logo (letter "P"), which is mounted on a black stone. The lettering around the bezel reads "Pirates World Champions." One shank displays the name "Moreno," the Pirates logo that includes the text "We Are Family," and the number "18" (Moreno's uniform number). The other shank features the year "1979" and a depiction of the club's stadium. The engraving on the interior band reads "Jostens 10K." Moreno is best remembered for being a key piece of the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Championship team and his base-stealing prowess. He had eleven hits during the 1979 Fall Classic, including six over the final two games. Moreno also caught the final out in Game 7. On the basepaths, Moreno swiped 487 bags over his 12-year career, which ranks 42nd in MLB history. He led the Majors in stolen bases in 1978 and 1979 and stole a career-best 96 bases in 1980. This is a particularly rare ring. In fact, it is only the second example of a 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Championship ring we have ever seen at auction and the first we have ever offered. The ring displays moderate wear and remains in Excellent condition. Size: approximately 11.75. Weight: approximately 32 grams. The offered ring comes with an LOA signed by Omar Moreno attesting to its special provenance. Reserve $5,000.