Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction June 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2017
Featuring the one and only Hit King, Pete Rose would take part in his 15th All-Star Game in 1982, with participants presented with an official All-Star Game ring by the league. This particular specimen hails from the prestigious event, and it’s the only 1982 ring owned by Rose, making it especially rare and noteworthy. With the 1982 All-Star Game taking place in Montreal, the Cincinnati icon would spend the 1984 MLB season with the Expos, cementing his legend with the city that considers him an adopted son.
Unique within the collection of Rose’s awarded hardware due to its French language, the size 11 keepsake features an embossed maple leaf with inserted simulated diamond sitting atop a rectangular red stone, with “Partie” above and “D’etoiles” below. The left shank features a centralized Expos logo with “1982” in raised letters above along with “Montreal” beneath, while the opposite shank contains an MLB logo with “Rose”, along with three stars perched above a laurel wreath. The inner band is stamped "Balfour Celestrium".
Regarding provenance, an accompanying 1982 newspaper clipping states that this particular ring was gifted by Charlie Hustle to his friend, minor-league pitcher and coach Vic Lapiner. An additional handwritten and signed letter by Rose on Pete Rose Hit King Marketing INC. stationary is also included (replicated in full within our on-line section of this lot) where he mentions giving the memento to Lapiner. Please take note that this item may be subject to a silent reserve.
Regarding the ring’s condition, moderate to heavy regular wear is consistent throughout, denoting considerable use over a long period. The handwritten letter of provenance from Rose states in full,
“To Whom I May Concern,
In 1982 I participated in the All Star Game in Montreal, Canada. I received an All Star ring from the National League.
I than gave the ring to my friend Vic Lapiner and it’s his to do what ever he wants to do with it.”
The accompanying July 26th 1982 newspaper clipping explains Rose’s relationship with Lapiner, mentioning that the minor league pitcher would escort the Hit King when in town to Fromin’s delicatessen in Encino. The journalist also goes on to say that he wouldn’t mind being gifted the diamond ring Rose received from the Phillies after passing Stan Musial on the National League all-time hit list… wishful thinking indeed.
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