Auction Yanks Cubs World Series Ring, Which Was Apparently Legit

By Stephen Gossett in News on Oct 16, 2017 7:55PM

Getty Images / Photo: Jonathan Daniel

The perfect gift for the Cubs fan on your list who has everything is no longer an option. A 2016 World Series ring—which was apparently the real deal—that popped up on an auction site last weekend has been withdrawn.

The Sun-Times, which first reported the listing, wrote on Sunday that the Cubs pressed Leland's Auctions to pull the ring from bidding. In working with the auction site, the team confirmed the ring was genuine and had been given to a scout who no longer works with the team. Cubs spokesperson Justin Green had said last week that "the ring may be counterfeit."

The starting bid for the uber-coveted piece of hardware was $1,908—of course a nod to the year the Cubs had previously won it all. But it didn't take long to ratchet up. By the time the listing had been pulled, it was already up to $65,000 and still had nearly two weeks to attract higher-still numbers. A memorabilia expert told the Tribune that the ring would have likely cleared $100,000.

Some non-players were issued World Series ring, but they were required to sell them back to the club for just $1 if they decided to sell. Because the Cubs wanted to avoid precisely this kind of situation.

Leland's said the ring was pulled per the Cubs' request and "due to a contractual issue," according to the Associated Press.

Leland's Auctions / Screenshot

Our condolences to whoever had the top offer placed, because unless the Cubs' bats can quickly stir awake or Joe Maddon can remember the name "Wade Davis" in late high-leverage situations, there won't be any 2017 Cubs World Series rings to even fret over.