- Handcrafted rings feature 8 diamonds representing franchise World Series titles
- 34 sapphires honor late pitcher Fernando Valenzuela
- Ceremony drew 52,000 fans with Ohtani and Freeman receiving loudest cheers
The Los Angeles Dodgers transformed Dodger Stadium into a jewel-box spectacle Friday night, unveiling their 2024 World Series championship rings in a ceremony blending baseball heritage with modern craftsmanship. Players including Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman paraded along a blue carpet to thunderous applause, their new hardware sparkling under stadium lights. The $35,000-per-ring designs by Jostens contain 142 individual components symbolizing the franchise's 142-season history.
Team owner Mark Walter personally distributed the 14-karat gold rings during the 22-minute pregame event. Each piece contains a hidden compartment revealing micro-engraved Dodger Stadium details and a sliver of game-used World Series base material. This isn't just jewelry – it's wearable history,said manager Dave Roberts, who kept his 2020 championship ring in a home safe.
The ceremony paid special tribute to Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican pitching legend who died days before the 2024 Fall Classic. Thirty-four royal blue sapphires encircle each ring's base, matching Valenzuela's iconic jersey number. This marks the first time MLB championship rings have incorporated memorial gemstones for a franchise icon.
Industry analysts note the Dodgers' rings continue MLB's arms race in championship jewelry, with production costs increasing 300% since 2010. Unlike the Yankees' minimalist 2023 designs, LA's pieces use 11.5 carats of diamonds arranged in the team's iconic LAlogo. The Hollywood-inspired spectacle reflects California's $2.1 billion championship merchandise market, the largest in professional sports.
Former Dodger Jack Flaherty received his ring Saturday after starting for the Tigers on Friday night. The Burbank native helped stabilize LA's injury-plagued rotation during their championship push, posting a 2.87 ERA in 12 critical starts. He was our midnight oil when the lights were brightest,Roberts remarked about the right-hander's contributions.
With the championship flag now permanently flying in center field, players described the ceremony as both celebration and motivation. These rocks remind us what's possible when 26 guys become brothers,said third baseman Max Muncy. As fans filed out chanting Back-to-back!, the Dodgers organization quietly began planning their 2025 ring design – just in case.