The Mick’s motivation for the greatest season of his career and one of the most iconic seasons in MLB history!

Engraved “Mickey C. Mantle” in script along the interior band this visually stunning classically designed ring features the classic Yankees “bat and hat” logo decorated with real red, white and blue gemstones. American League Champions" runs the perimeter in raised text. The shanks feature the same baseball design topped with the year 1955. The ring is made of 14k gold, Size (10.5), Weight is twenty-eight grams (28 g.) with just a hint of light wear.

The Story of The 1955 AL Championship Ring

In 1955, Mantle led the American League in home runs (37), triples (11) and slugging percentage (.611) and on base percentage (.431). Mickey hit for an average of .306 and was elected to the All-Star team for the 4th consecutive year.

Mantle was instrumental in the Yankees making it to the World Series, but due to injuries sustained in the late-season, he was limited to just ten at-bats (one a home run) in three World Series appearances that season. Without the slugger superstar, The Yankees would ultimately lose to their cross-town rivals, the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1955 World Series.

Having won the World Championship in 1951, 1952, and 1953, Mantle was certainly disappointed in falling short of the prize and many would say it was the presentation of this very ring that motivated one of the greatest seasons in MLB history.

Mickey had a tradition of giving away his World Series rings to his family members. An included letter of provenance from his brother Ray Mantle reads:

"The purpose of this letter is to verify and authenticate Mickey Mantle's 1955 World Series ring. In 1955, the New York Yankees were the American League Champions defeated by the Brooklyn Dodgers in seven games. The players received the 1955 World Series ring on opening day in 1956. My brother, Mickey Mantle, gave me this ring in 1956. It has been in my possession until now."

When the umpire yelled play ball on that Opening Day (April 17, 1956), Mantle did just that! The ring presentation certainly had an effect on “The Mick” as he belted not one, but TWO home runs, both long balls estimated at over 500 feet, leading the Bombers to a 10-4 Opening Day victory.

Mantle went on to have what was arguably the best of his career. He Major League’s Triple Crown and led the AL in runs (132), RBI (130), batting average (.353), slugging percentage (.705) and total bases (376). He became just the eighth player in MLB history to tally 50 home runs in one season and was voted the AL’s Most Valuable Player. A motivated season if there ever was one!

The Yankees beat the Dodgers in the World Series that fall, Mantle’s fourth championship as a member of the Bronx Bombers. He would go on to win three more rings, and retired prior to the 1969 season with 536 career home runs. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974 in his first year on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

“Only a handful of players in all baseball history,” wrote Leonard Koppett of The New York Times, “have been as important to winning teams and have been able to contribute as much to eventual victory as has Mickey Mantle.”

This is an online only sale. Items may be viewed upon appointment in New York City.

Notice to bidders: More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in excellent condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or call Guernsey's at 212-794-2280 to request a more thorough condition report.