Monday 23 April 2012

Derek Lowe’s World Series ring, trophy stolen from Florida home

Maybe it's a small sample size or just coincidence, but it seems like ballplayers have been getting their stuff stolen at a high rate lately. For example, there was the Kyle Kendrick heist, the Evan Longoria/David Price/Reid Brignac computer/assault rifle burglary and the Matt Garza jewelry snatching.

On Monday, Cleveland Indians righthander Derek Lowe found himself added to the sad list of ballplayers missing precious bling because of alleged thievery. The News-Press of Southwest Florida reports that Lowe's World Series ring from the Boston Red Sox's 2004 championship season, along with a gold trophy, are among items missing from Lowe's residence in South Fort Myers:

A housekeeper told investigators on Friday someone had broken into the residence on Terabella Way and stole the ring, trophy, necklaces, and women's shoes and purses.

The total value of the items taken was about $90,000.

This isn't a random AK-47, or a league ring for a second-place finish. We're talking about a ring representing one of the more significant championships in team sports history. The same goes for the trophy to a lesser extent.

But the ring is the thing — even if it's unimpressive to look at, as championship rings go.

It's partly because of the quality of the photograph (particularly the bland color), but the ring is kind of blah. Considering how much blood and sweat was spilled getting the Red Sox a World Series title over the 86 seasons between championships, you'd think the ring commemorating final victory would be ... nicer, or at least over-the-top with tackiness. (It looks a little better here.) Where's the Rally Squirrel of the 2004 Red Sox — a silhouette of a bearded Johnny Damon, for example. Something with an "Idiot" on there. A bloody sock. Babe Ruth, face down in his dinner.

But the value quoted seems about right. Scott Williamson recently got $89,000 at auction for his '04 Series ring. It's hard to imagine a criminal finding a proper way to get cash for Lowe's items, especially a famous World Series ring that is likely personalized. The guys on "Pawn Stars," for example, seem savvy and ethical.

The shoes and purses, though ... Lowe could be out of luck there. Unlike with other cases, police are no doubt working in shifts to crack this one. All Lowe wants is his ring back.

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