Sotheby’s & Goldin Auctions Present: A Century of Champions

Sotheby’s & Goldin Auctions Present: A Century of Champions

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 68. 1977 Gene Michael New York Yankees World Series Championship Trophy (Michael Family LOA).

1977 Gene Michael New York Yankees World Series Championship Trophy (Michael Family LOA)

Lot Closed

December 7, 08:05 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

1977 Gene Michael New York Yankees World Series Championship Trophy (Michael Family LOA)


Upon retiring as a player, Gene Michael joined the New York Yankees coaching staff, where he especially excelled as a scout. Reggie Jackson gave credit to Michael’s scouting reports that enabled him to belt three home runs against the Dodgers in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. Michael would serve as manager of the Yankees from 1981-82 and as general manager from 1980-81 and 1991-1995 where he was responsible for the drafting of and signings of players like Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada that formed the famed “Core Four” group that led the Yankees to four World Series titles in five seasons at the end of the 20th century.


The 1977 New York Yankees won their second consecutive pennant, but unlike the 1976 World Series where they were swept by the Big Red Machine juggernaut Cincinnati Reds, the Yankees would overpower the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 to win the franchise’s first World Series title since the Mickey Mantle-led team of 1962. The World Series was highlighted by Jackson’s three consecutive home runs in Game 6 that helped New York close out the series and earn Reggie’s famed nickname “Mr. October”.


Offered here is the personal 1977 New York Yankees World Series championship trophy presented to the late Gene Michael. Fashioned on a 7-inch diameter black base, the 12-inch tall trophy has a bronze band inscribed with “WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS NEW YORK YANKEES 1977 GENE MICHAEL” 26 bronze flagpoles topped with the names of each of the MLB teams (AL on the left, NL on the right, alphabetical order) from the base. Two World Series press pins representing the Dodgers and Yankees are fastened to the base. Inside the circle of mini flags sits a bronze ring, anchored with a silver baseball and topped with a gold crown. The trophy is in excellent condition.