Giuliani's World Series Rings Cause a Stir

Sports Collectors Daily ^ | Thursday, 10 May 2007

[ellery]

Former New York mayor and current Presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani is a huge Yankees' fan. He was able to buy four World Series rings from the club--rings that normally aren't for sale and could be worth well into six figures.

We knew something was brewing when a reporter's research assistant for New York's Village Voice called SportsCollectorsDaily.com recently to discuss World Series rings and ask whether any had ever been given to politicians.

It seems ex-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani may have gotten a sweetheart deal on some Yankee title rings from 1996 to 2000 and the Voice presents a lengthy piece on it this week as reporter Wayne Barrett takes the Republican hopeful to task on the issue. Giuliani apparently paid about $4,000 for the rings, which are, by most all accounts, never sold by winning clubs--or given to city leaders. Some say the rings are worth a combined $250,000.

Giuliani responded in today's New York Times.

[ellery]

This is a big deal, if true. Giuliani relentlessly prosectuted others for taking even small gifts. He's behaved as if he thinks he is above the law in the past; this may be another example.

[traditional1]

Hillary "I've always been a Yankee's Fan" Klintoon will be pissed !

[TommyDale]

Nothing going on here...move along! Just another Rudy scandal.

[showme_the_Glory]

never sold by winning clubs--or given to city leaders. Hmmmmmmm how can this be? Rootie has connections.

[ibheath]

I am no fan of Rudy, but I read this as tempest+teapot.

Heath

[Brilliant]

Yeah, just more noise.

[I see my hands]

"this may be another example"

If it's not will you report back?

[theDentist]

Agreed....

[wideawake]

I'm not sure what the scandal is supposed to be here.

Is it illegal for people who own World Series rings to sell them?

Is it illegal to purchase World Series rings?

[dirtboy]

Is it illegal for people who own World Series rings to sell them? Is it illegal to purchase World Series rings?

The problem is, only a few people not associated with a team are allowed to buy rings unless they are sold at auction later by collectors. Rudy got four.

And Rudy was also instrumental in getting all kinds of taxpayer-funded support for the new Yankee Stadium being built.

So it certainly gives the appearance of impropriety. Especially if arrangements were made by the team and Rudy to buy the rings at a later time while Rudy was still mayor.

[wideawake]

Is that a matter of statute, or of custom?

[dirtboy]

Is that a matter of statute, or of custom?

Custom.

[wideawake]

Custom.

Well, there you go.

As far as the new Yankee Stadium is concerned, Giuliani was well-known as an aggressive booster of the idea from way back.

He didn't need convincing - his advocacy of and allegiance to the project was never in doubt.

And if he needed bribing, a gift of four rings spread out over five years would not have been nearly enough for him to take that kind of risk.

[dirtboy]

I’m sorry, this one doesn’t pass the smell test to me.

[raccoonradio]

Rudy’s team is currently 7 games behind Mitt’s team, and Rudy’s team lost 14-2 yesterday while the Sox have won
15 of 20...

[cgk]

Ping...

[Not A Snowbird]

Some say the rings are worth a combined $250,000.

Ping me when an appraiser confirms it.

[Liz]

[TommyDale]

Nothing here, keep moving along!! What was the total value of the gain? I’m CERTAIN he paid taxes on the full market value of the gifts, right? What? You mean he didn’t report the personal income?

[RatsDawg]

Maybe he thought the rings would go good with his dress. Women need their jewelry.