Yankees’ ⁢AL Championship Rings: ⁤A Reminder of Unfinished Business

‍ Updated May 29, 2025

The New York Yankees received their 2024 American league Championship rings in a private ceremony, ⁤but the glittering jewelry has been met with mixed emotions.While the rings, crafted by Balfour in Austin, Texas, are undeniably beautiful, many players see them as a reminder of ⁤their ultimate failure: losing the World Series.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman presented the⁣ rings‍ too the team,a ⁣gesture appreciated by the players.However, the prevailing sentiment is that these rings are⁣ not the ones they truly desire. Giancarlo Stanton bluntly stated,”This isn’t the one we wanted,boys… I’d better not see any of you guys wearing these around.”

The rings, adorned with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, encircle the Yankees’ iconic top hat logo and proclaim “American League Champions 2024” in ⁣14-karat white gold.‍ Despite their beauty, they⁣ remain largely unworn, tucked away in boxes and drawers.

Anthony Volpe initially tried‍ to refuse the ring, but ultimately gave it to his father, ⁢michael.He acknowledged⁣ that the ring commemorates the journey, but prefers to keep ⁤it out⁤ of sight. Clarke Schmidt likened the ring to a “participation trophy,”⁣ emphasizing the teamS singular focus on winning the World Series. Tim Hill echoed this sentiment, stating, “it was kind of like, ‘Ahh, that’s not the one we wanted.’ I looked at it once, and then I threw it in a box.”

Carlos Rodón‍ offered a blunt assessment: “First loser. That’s what it represented to me.”

Even ⁢Yankees captain Aaron judge avoids highlights from the previous World Series, finding little value in reliving the defeat. “All ⁤I really think is, ‘We lost,’” Judge said. “we‍ could break it down⁣ from Game ⁢1 all the way through, but it comes down to, we didn’t get the job done.”

Manager⁤ Aaron Boone,when asked for input on the ⁢ring design,simply requested to be involved in the design of the World Series ring. He understands the bittersweet nature of the AL Championship rings, acknowledging the accomplishment while emphasizing the ultimate goal. “We want that first place one,” Boone said. “At the same time, it is crucial to⁢ acknowledge that we ⁢were⁣ American League champions. That’s important. That matters.”

Boone personally delivered rings to Juan Soto, Clay Holmes,‍ and coach Desi Druschel during a Subway Series game against the Mets, a task he described as “fun.”

The 2024 American League Championship⁢ rings serve⁤ as a constant reminder of the Yankees’ ⁤unfinished business. The team remains determined to⁤ capture the elusive World Series⁤ title. As Judge stated, “How bad it hurt — getting all the way ther to the end and not getting the final prize — I think that will stick with guys forever.” The quest for the world Series continues to drive the Yankees.

What’s next

The Yankees are‍ heading to Los Angeles for a highly anticipated World series rematch with the Dodgers, aiming to ⁢turn last year’s disappointment into this year’s triumph.