A closer look at the Cubs' World Series rings
Chicago Cubs players could hardly contain their anticipation Wednesday before receiving their World Series rings before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Selected fans, including several from the suburbs, who won a contest, presented the rings to the players.
“I don't know how they're going to keep their composure,” said first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who gave a nod toward team chairman Tom Ricketts. What a cool experience for the fans. Mr. Ricketts preaches to us, 'It's all about the fans.'”
It was even more special for Cubs infielder Javier Baez.
“I know the girl who is giving me my ring is handicapped like my sister; it's going to change her life,” he said.
Baez's sister, Noely, died two years ago at 21.
It's been quite a week for Baez. On Tuesday, he was honored as the city of Chicago named part of a Humboldt Park street “Javier 'Javy' Baez Way.” At 24, Baez is off to a fast start to his major-league career.
“It's like a dream, man, it's like a dream,” he said. “Obviously it's early in my career for all this to be happening. Just really excited and live in the moment.”
According to a Cubs news release, the ring, “designed and produced by Jostens, is made from 14-karat white gold. Its top features the traditional Cubs bull's-eye logo masterfully crafted from 33 custom-cut genuine red rubies that are surrounded by 72 round white diamonds, all within a circular perimeter made up of 46 custom-cut, genuine blue sapphires. The bezel is surrounded by 108 round white diamonds lifting the Cubs logo to victory and signifying the end of a historic 108-year championship drought. Overall, the ring contains 214 diamonds at 5.5 karats, 3 karats of genuine red rubies and 2.5 karats of genuine sapphires.
“One side features the player's name set atop the iconic W Flag, which is created from 31 round white diamonds and a fire blue corundum understone that forms the “W.” Silhouette images of Wrigley Field's bricks and ivy surround the flag and the player's number, which sits below the flag.
“The other side features the year 2016 above the iconic Wrigley Field facade and marquee, displaying the message “CUBS WIN!” A silhouette of the World Series Trophy sits below the marquee with a large round white diamond set in the center, signifying the 2016 World Series victory. Two princess-cut diamonds flank the trophy, representing the team's two previous World Series titles. Wrigley Field's bricks complete the background.
“On the palm at the bottom of the outer band is the team's rally cry, 'WE NEVER QUIT.' On the inside of the ring is a custom triple arbor that features the local date and time the championship was won - “11-3-16, 12:47 a.m.” - and the series scores and logos of the three teams the Cubs defeated ... to becoming 2016 World Series Champions. An image of the infamous goat representing a supposed franchise curse is included on the inner band.”
<h3 class="leadin">Not just the pitchers:
Much of the talk about the new Wrigley Field bullpens, under the bleachers, has been about the pitchers. But outfielders have to contend with the new glass doors.
The doors allow the pitchers in the bullpen to see out onto the field, but from the other side, fans see a green door.
“It (the ball) comes off a little bit hotter,” said left fielder Kyle Schwarber. “It's more Plexiglass out there. You've got to be more aware of how that ball's to come out. You've got to know how hard the ball is hit. If it's smoked off it, it can go back a good amount. It's just something to be heads-up about.”