2019 Washington Nationals World Series Championship Ring Presented to Assistant to GM Mike Cubbage

• Sold For: $12,600
• Year: 2008
• Auction: 2025 May
• Lot #: 4
• Auction Category: Postwar Baseball Cards (1948-present)

Quite a tale is told, with this 2019 Washington Nationals World Series championships ring, which was presented to Mike Cubbage. Elements of this story encompass Cubbage’s lifelong devotion to the game, the end to a 50-year drought for the franchise that began in 1969 as the Montreal Expos, a fantastic journey through four rounds of 2019 postseason play, and the astonishing generosity of the Nationals organization. Oh yeah, there’s also the adoption of the “Baby Shark” song, eagerly embraced by the Washington fans.

Cubbage began his baseball career in the 1960s, with the Virginia Cavaliers. His final job was special assistant to the general manager of the Washington Nationals, a position he held from 2015-2020. In five decades of play as the Expos and Nationals, the Washington franchise won a handful of division titles, but it wasn’t until their 51st season, that they finally won their first NL pennant, and the grand prize, their first World Series championship. A thrilling postseason, saw the Nats defeat the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston Astros, all the while singing and dancing to the Baby Shark song, thanks to Gerardo Parra, who choose the tune for his walk-up theme.

A big part of the Nationals reward was this colossal ring. Weighing in at a hefty 88 grams, this 10K gold ring is crusted with an array of red, white and blue precious gems. Though the ring is a size “10”, it presents as large and in charge, with a 1-1/2” x 1-3/8” face. At center, is a “W” logo made from ruby baguettes, Encircling the W, is an oval of dark blue sapphires, with the words “World Champions” inset. Surrounding the rubies and sapphires, is a field of G-H color diamonds of VS-2 clarity. The right shank has the name “Cubbage” in relief lettering, above a 2019 dated flag, flying over Washington monuments. Below all that, is the word “Pro”, also crusted in diamonds. The left shank is adorned with the World Series trophy, Nationals Park, four diamond stars, a ruby star, and the legend “Fight Finished”. Seen on the back of the band, is the motto “Go 1-0 Everyday". Engraving on the inside of the band includes a baby shark in a Washington jersey holding the World Series trophy, the postseason results 1-0 next to a Milwaukee Brewers logo, 3-2 next to the Los Angeles Dodgers logo, 4-0 next to the St. Louis Cardinals logo, and 4-3 next to the Houston Astros logo. Also seen on the interior, are the date “10.30.19”, and the hallmark of maker Jostens, with a copyright symbol, and “10K”, indicating the gold purity content.

This majestic ring is housed in its original Jostens presentation case, which lights up when opened. Also present is a 3/4” x 1/2” Washington Nationals 5 years of service sterling silver pin with a ruby inset, which also comes directly from the estate of Mike Cubbage, who passed away last August. Accompanying are a Jostens box, and a jeweler’s LOA attesting to the authenticity of the gold and gems.