Make a ring that looks like. . .
Today’s Atlanta Braves players have the money to have a unique piece of jewelry designed for them and the freedom to wear anything they want. However, Evers and Maranville weren’t rich men, and both liked a drink or two… or five. They were also men of their time.
It’s doubtful either player would have ordered a ring, not only because of the cost but also because it would be out of character for men at that time.
"In that era, it wasn’t considered “manly” for a gentleman to wear a ring – even if that ring was earned as part of a World Championship."
Provenance
When a high-end auction house offers something collectible, they require proof of authenticity, and both rings have undisputed provenance.
"the fact that (the) rings both originate directly from the estates of the players . . . clearly establishes that World Series rings were highly prized by at least two members of the 1914 Boston Braves team (and) We have never seen or heard of a 1914 Braves Championship pin award."
That’s a wrap
While the 1914 ring looks tiny compared to the mammoth hunk of gold given to the 2021 team, in many ways, I prefer it. A man with average-sized hands could wear the 1914 ring without people staring and pointing.
If I earned a ring for something few others have done, I’d want to wear it, not so people could stare at it in awe, but I could look at it and remember why it’s there.
It seems clear that the 1914 World Series ring shows that the franchise now known as the Atlanta Braves was the first to give players at least the option of a ring.