"I'm just a ballplayer with one ambition and that is to give all I've got to help my ball club win. I've never played any other way." - Joe DiMaggio

From 1936 to 1951, sans three years due to service in World War II, Joseph Paul DiMaggio gave his all to the New York Yankees, leading them to nine World Series championships in his thirteen seasons in pinstripes. Often described as the “picture-perfect” player, DiMaggio was the ultimate winner and a master of his craft, whether at bat or in center field. With an unusually wide stance, Joltin’ Joe won two American League batting titles and three MVP awards, averaging 118 RBI per season and hitting .325 lifetime with 361 home runs and 131 triples. Of course, his incredible 56-game hitting streak in 1941 stands out and will likely never be matched. Perhaps more impressive, though, were his 369 career strikeouts, an average of just 28 per season. That's a month's worth by modern standards.

The numbers and accolades only tell part of the story. “He is best remembered for the persona of Joe DiMaggio,” wrote Ira Berkow of The New York Times. “He remains a symbol of excellence, power and, to be sure, gentleness.” DiMaggio became an American hero at a time when Americans weary from the Great Depression had little to feel heroic about. The son of first-generation Italian immigrants whose brothers Vince and Dom also had successful Major League careers, Joe was an idol when America struggled with idealism. Years after his retirement, baseball fans and purveyors of history marvel not only at his exploits on the diamond but also at his inspiring traits as a prodigy of the American Dream.

The 1951 season would be the Yankee Clipper’s curtain call. Reports surfaced that Joe wanted to retire before becoming an “ordinary” player. Bone spurs in his heel may have hastened that decision. Good thing for the Bronx Faithful is that DiMaggio’s end culminated with the arrival of the “Commerce Comet” who bore the weight of unbridled expectations and took the reins in centerfield for a new generation of dominance. Though some referred to 1951 as a season of change for the Yankees, the result was more of the same: a third straight World Series title on their way to an unprecedented five in a row!

In retirement, only a select few Yankee greats were issued World Series rings when the Yankees added another trophy to their arsenal. Presented here is Joe DiMaggio’s original 1977 New York Yankees World Series ring made to the exact specs as player rings from that “Bronx Zoo” spectacle highlighted by Reggie Jackson’s three homers in the Game 6 clincher. The face features "Yankees World Champions" in raised lettering around the “NY” logo spelled out with 19 inset diamonds atop a blue stone. One shank has "DiMAGGIO" with the Yankees logo and 21st World Championship designation. The other shank has "1977" with a World Series trophy along with the words "PRIDE" and “TRADITION" in raised letters. The interior ring band has the "LGB 14K" hallmark. Coming in size 11-1/4, the ring weighs 28 grams and remains well-preserved in outstanding condition. It was first sold in May 2006 directly from “The Joe DiMaggio Collection”, a highly publicized auction in which the DiMaggio Estate listed several hundred keepsakes. Amazing opportunity to own the Yankee legend’s personal ’77 "Bronx Zoo" World Series ring.