The one individual guaranteed not to lose in this World Series was at home, tuning in to the playoffs when a friend sent him a surprising online post.
“Since I’m with the Yankees now, it completely slipped my mind,” remarked Taylor Trammell, a 27-year-old minor-league outfielder for the Yankees who played five games for the major league team this season. “If the Dodgers claim victory, I’ll receive a ring as well.”
This is due to the fact that before joining the Yankees, Trammell had played five games earlier this season for the Dodgers. Regardless of the outcome of the Fall Classic, he is assured a championship ring, even though his seven at-bats across the two clubs resulted in just one hit.
Trammell exemplifies a common occurrence in professional baseball: players who have brief tenures with World Series-bound teams and, despite their minimal contributions, later receive rings.
Not all excellent major-league athletes will get a World Series ring. However, nearly every player who participates on a winning team receives a piece of that achievement. It does not matter if you are Yordan Alvarez, who smashed 37 home runs for the 2022 champion Astros, or Taylor Jones, who had just one at-bat. You could be David Ortiz, known for driving in 139 runs for the remarkable 2004 Red Sox — or you might be Phil Seibel, who pitched a mere 3 2/3 innings during his only big league season for Boston.
The World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers is set to begin on Friday, bringing rings to players who may be forgotten by fans. If New York triumphs, Clayton Andrews and Clayton Beeter will receive rings as well. Conversely, if Los Angeles wins, Connor Brogdon and Zach Logue will obtain the same rings as stars like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani.
For the majority of these fringe players, the emotions are quite complex. They have technically reached their objective, earning one of the most sought-after prizes in sports — a World Series ring — but they grapple with a dilemma: Did they truly earn it?
Not every ring holds the same value, nor does every team have the same criteria. Some organizations award rings to each player who appeared on the 40-man roster, while others restrict it to those who participated in games. Furthermore, some teams bestow more prestigious rings to higher-caliber players. Ben Ford, who pitched 11 innings for the 2000 New York Yankees, stated that he never received a ring at all. Some faced more complex situations.
“When they approached me with, ‘Do you want a World Series ring,’ I replied, ‘No.’ … I mean, this is a team that designated me for assignment,” explained Austin Adams, who recorded three outs for the 2019 world champion Washington Nationals. “It was difficult for me to accept that ring.”
Adams’ limited contribution to the Nationals came in a seventh-inning mop-up role during a 9-3 loss in April. After allowing a run, he was subsequently designated for assignment and scoffed later when the organization contacted him about a ring fitting. He had no desire to claim it because he viewed it as “a participation trophy.”
Pitcher Jay Flaa shares similar sentiments. In 2021, he only pitched four outs, allowing four runs for the world champion Atlanta Braves. “It feels like getting an ‘A’ on a group project,” he stated, “without contributing any of the work.”
A coach on that championship Braves squad, Sal Fasano, spent parts of 11 seasons as a catcher, frequently bouncing between the majors and minors. In 2002, he appeared in only two major-league games, recording just one at-bat.
-bat. However, this at-bat occurred while he was with the Angels, who ultimately triumphed over the Giants in the World Series. During those two games, Fasano earned the only World Series ring of his playing career.
“You feel joy,” Fasano stated, “because you’re part of one of the greatest teams ever.”
Yet, this joy isn’t without complexity. As he observed the championship journey from the dugout, a sense of guilt washed over him while watching Darin Erstad catch the Series-clinching fly ball and during the ensuing celebrations.
“Winning a World Series brings excitement to everyone,” Fasano reflected. “And there you are thinking, ‘What did I really do? I didn’t really contribute much.’ You spend your entire life dreaming of winning a World Series, only to realize that your impact was minimal.”
In contrast, some players have negatively impacted the teams that eventually awarded them rings. Pitcher Jalen Beeks chuckles as he recalls his 2018 Red Sox championship ring, given that he seemingly did everything possible to hinder that Boston team from reaching the World Series.
The left-hander struggled in two disastrous outings for the 2018 Red Sox, yielding nine earned runs across 6 1/3 innings before being traded to the Rays. Once with his new team, Beeks pitched phenomenally against the same Red Sox, achieving a 2.89 ERA over 9 1/3 innings.
“It’s comical,” Beeks admitted, although he wouldn’t exchange the ring for anything. “I probably cost them about four games that season. I didn’t assist them at all. It’s a bizarre twist of fate, really.”
Beeks recognizes that he doesn’t feel a strong connection to that team, a sentiment that resonates with many in a similar situation.
“I wish I could claim that my World Series ring holds a significant connection to the Astros, but regrettably, it’s merely an interesting item to show those who inquire about it,” said Ashur Tolliver, who pitched five innings for the Houston Astros in 2017.
“I’m truly thankful to have the ring to show my children and to pass down through generations. However, on a personal level, the ring doesn’t carry much meaning for me.”
For numerous players, though, these rings symbolize everything. They may not necessarily represent greatness, but many view them as a reflection of their baseball journey — a tangible token of their life’s work.
Players who linger on the fringes of the major leagues do not enjoy glamorous lifestyles. They face arduous travel in the minor leagues, receive meager pay, and miss out on the comforts afforded to their major-league counterparts. Most pursue this path without aspirations of stardom. Yet, the dream of making it to the majors and securing a championship renders it all worthwhile — validation for reaching the pinnacle and contributing in any way.
<p“What a way to finish,” exclaimed Sean Kazmar Jr., who retired after making a brief appearance with the 2021 Braves. “I still think about it today. I continuously reflect on the effort from everyone involved. All the dedication I put in was absolutely worth it. It’s difficult to articulate the feeling of going out as a World Series champion, so to speak.”
Kazmar grew up as a devoted Braves fan and entered the Braves’ camp in 2021 as a 36-year-old without a big league at-bat in 13 years. Except for a brief stint with the Padres in 2008, Kazmar was predominantly a minor-league player, spending the last seven full seasons with Atlanta’s Triple-A team in Gwinnett.
However, in April, Kazmar received a second chance. This opportunity lasted only three more games, featuring two at-bats without a hit. He watched the postseason unfold from home with his family and felt no guilt or discomfort when Atlanta won the World Series. Instead, he experienced the satisfaction of completing a long journey, recognizing the challenges it took to arrive at that moment.
After the season concluded, the Braves sent a representative to personally deliver his ring. His call-up served as an inspiration,
even if his contributions were not.
Sean Kazmar Jr. made the most of his 2021 big-league return. (Paul Beaty / Associated Press)
Dusty Coleman went hitless in five at-bats for the 2015 Kansas City Royals, and to him, the ring is similarly a symbol of what he accomplished simply by getting to the majors.
“I don’t anticipate a ton of people remembering me for my baseball career,” said Coleman, who also appeared in 27 games for the 2017 San Diego Padres. “At least I have the ring that I can pass down to my family, and they’ll know all the hard work and dedication I put into trying to get to where I was. And be proud of the career that I did have.”
Even some of those who initially have reservations about getting their ring eventually come around, recognizing what it represents.
“I can’t say I had a deep connection with the players on the team,” said Flaa, the 2021 Braves reliever. “But that being said, looking back on my career — what it took to get to that point — the sentimental value is definitely there.”
Adams, the 2019 Nationals reliever, has now played seven seasons in the majors, and the 2019 team is the only group that reached the pinnacle. That’s part of why Adams’ wife told him, “You have an opportunity to get a World Series ring, you should accept that.”
He ultimately relented, and accepted the jewelry. So too did Trevor Rosenthal, a fellow 2019 National who pitched to a 22.74 ERA over 6 1/3 innings that season.
They were teammates again in San Diego a year later. The conversation of their rings came up, and the uneasiness they both felt in having one. Over time, Adams’ feelings have shifted.
“I don’t look at that ring and think, ‘That’s a season I’ll never forget,’” Adams said. “I look at that ring, and I’m like, ‘It’s just cool because it’s a ring.’”
Phil Seibel is a footnote in baseball history. His only two big-league games came in 2004, pitching for a Red Sox team that ended the franchise’s 86-year world championship drought. Yet at Red Sox camp the following spring, Seibel was stopped by a minor-league clubhouse attendant and asked for his ring size.
It was a moment of surprise for Seibel, who hadn’t contemplated that a couple innings in April 2004 would merit him jewelry reserved for members of one of baseball’s most iconic teams. Jewelry that Red Sox great Ted Williams never received — to say nothing of the numerous other Hall of Fame talents like Ken Griffey Jr. or Tony Gwynn or Ty Cobb linked by a shared empty space in the trophy case.
“You just start doing the rolodex in your head. He doesn’t have one, he doesn’t have one,” Seibel said. “I have one. I have a ring from that team. That starts to become a little overwhelming. That ‘holy s—’ moment just goes off in your head.”
Seibel receiving his World Series ring. (Courtesy of Phil Seibel)
Seibel’s teammate, Jimmy Anderson, pitched six innings with the 2004 Red Sox, and he says he’s “never” worn his ring. But the most enjoyment he’s gotten out of that team was knowing his late father — a huge Red Sox fan — would have been proud of him. And then, this summer, seeing his daughters smile with pride during the 2004 team’s 20-year championship reunion.
“It’s weird. I do have mixed feelings, not being there that long,” Anderson said, “but I’m also very happy that I was a part of that. I don’t think of myself as being part of history.”
Seibel, on the other hand, wears that ring “a lot.” He has Red Sox memorabilia all over his office, and is a diehard fan. His kids have become fans as well. For him, that connection is strong and meaningful, and something he’ll forever cherish.
Meaning, however, is not always measured by statistical contributions. Mike Kickham pitched two innings for the 2014 Giants, an afterthought in San Francisco’s dynastic run in the early 2010s.
Still, it mattered to him. The St. Louis native purchased a ticket and made the three-hour trek to Kansas City to watch his former teammates in the World Series.
His most prized possession from that series is not the ring itself, but rather a photo of his grandfather — whom Mike was named after — wearing it, shortly before he passed away.
Mike Kickham and his grandfather both appreciated the ring in different ways. (Victor Decolongon / Getty Images; Courtesy of Mike Kickham)
Although Kickham wasn’t invited to the 10th anniversary celebration of the Giants earlier this year, his contributions to that team can never be overlooked.
“I did enough to position myself appropriately to be in the right place at the right time,” Kickham remarked, continuing his career in independent baseball with the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. “My career isn’t a fairytale. It hasn’t been flawless. I faced challenges at the major league level. However, it serves as a reminder that I was skilled and accomplished significantly more than many others.”
Some players who happened to receive rings keep their trophies in safety deposit boxes or safes. Others choose to showcase them on mantles or use them to impress business associates or clients in their professional endeavors.
“It’s woven into my identity. It definitely shapes who I am,” Seibel explained. “I understand that my impact on that team wasn’t major. I realize there wasn’t a defining moment for me during that time. I’m at peace with that. Being part of the team is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
This sentiment will soon apply to Taylor Trammell, who will receive a World Series ring no matter the outcome in the coming weeks.
Trammell had a short stint with the Dodgers — picked up off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on April 2, he played five games over 11 days. He was designated for assignment on April 16 and subsequently claimed by the Yankees two days later, making five appearances there as well.
His only major league hit that season came on April 27. After being DFA’d again on May 4, he went unclaimed and spent the rest of the year in Triple-A.
Before Game 6 of the NLCS on Sunday, he was texting his friend Tyler Stephenson, a catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, about the potential for earning a ring if the Dodgers won and advanced to the World Series.
“Am I supposed to root for the Dodgers today?” Stephenson asked.
“Dude, feel free to cheer for the Dodgers today, but next time, root for the Yankees,” Trammell responded, as he remains part of the Yankees organization.
Trammell is fully aware that he will receive a World Series ring despite going 0 for 6 with five putouts in 12 innings in the field for the Dodgers. Or
He went 1-for-1 with a walk and two runs for the Yankees. The ring, however, represents more than personal achievement; it symbolizes belonging. It highlights that Trammell was part of something greater — a reality that is currently unfolding.
It wasn’t until Sunday night that the full weight of this realization struck him. In their bed, Trammell and his wife Emani were watching a Netflix show after the Dodgers clinched the title. Yet, focus was elusive for him — not with the momentous event occurring thousands of miles away.
In that instance, the reality hit him — he had just become a world champion.
“I get a ring now and that’s such an exciting thing to claim. For me, this is incredible because I can proudly say I’m a World Series champion now,” Trammell remarked.
“The next step is to actually be a World Series champion and to be there when it’s earned. That’s the upcoming goal.”
Contributions from The Athletic’s Stephen J. Nesbitt, Chad Jennings, and Zack Meisel
(Illustration: Meech Robinson, The Athletic; Photos: Chris McGrath, Mark Cunningham, Ezra Shaw, Adam Glanzman, Billie Weiss / Getty Images; David J. Griffin / Icon Sportswire)
Championship Rings: The Curious Journey of Fringe Players in the World Series
The Role of Fringe Players in Major League Baseball
In the spotlight of the World Series, star players often bask in glory, but the journey of fringe players is equally compelling. These athletes, who may not always be in the starting lineup, play pivotal roles in their teams’ successes. Fringe players are defined as those who frequently oscillate between the roster and minor leagues, yet their contributions can be invaluable.
Understanding Championship Rings
Championship rings symbolize the pinnacle of achievement in professional sports, representing hard work, dedication, and teamwork. In Major League Baseball (MLB), every player on a championship-winning team receives a ring, including those on the fringes of the roster. This inclusivity underscores the importance of every member of the team, regardless of their playing time.
What Makes Championship Rings Special?
- Symbol of Achievement: Represents the culmination of a season’s efforts.
- Unique Design: Each ring is custom-designed, often featuring team colors and logos.
- Historical Significance: Rings often commemorate significant moments in a franchise’s history.
- Personal Touch: Many rings are personalized with the player’s name and number.
The Impact of Fringe Players on World Series Teams
Fringe players often contribute behind the scenes, providing crucial support in various capacities. Their journey to becoming World Series champions is filled with challenges and triumphs.
Key Contributions of Fringe Players
- Role Players: Many fringe players excel in specific roles such as pinch-hitters or defensive replacements.
- Team Chemistry: They often foster camaraderie and morale within the team.
- Flexibility: Their ability to adapt to multiple positions can be invaluable in tight situations.
Case Studies of Notable Fringe Players
Several fringe players have left an indelible mark on the World Series, showcasing how their contributions can lead to championship glory.
1. David Freese – St. Louis Cardinals
In the 2011 World Series, David Freese emerged as an unlikely hero for the St. Louis Cardinals. Initially expected to play a limited role, he delivered key performances, including a Game 6 walk-off hit, earning him the World Series MVP title. Freese’s journey exemplifies how fringe players can elevate their game when it matters most.
2. Eduardo Núñez – San Francisco Giants
Eduardo Núñez’s contributions during the 2014 World Series for the San Francisco Giants were pivotal. Despite being a relatively lesser-known player, Núñez delivered crucial hits, showcasing how fringe players can shine in the spotlight. He played a significant role in the Giants’ successful campaign, further emphasizing the importance of every player on the roster.
3. Chris Taylor - Los Angeles Dodgers
In the 2017 World Series, Chris Taylor transitioned from a fringe player to a key contributor for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His defensive versatility and timely hitting were instrumental in the Dodgers’ playoff run. Taylor’s journey highlights how hard work and determination can lead to success, even for players who may not be household names.
Benefits of Recognizing Fringe Players
Understanding the journey of fringe players in the World Series has several benefits for fans and aspiring athletes alike:
- Inspiration: Fringe players demonstrate that perseverance and hard work can pay off.
- Team Dynamics: Recognizing their contributions showcases the importance of every team member.
- Fan Engagement: Fans often connect with underdog stories, enhancing their overall experience.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Fringe Players
For aspiring athletes dreaming of making it to the World Series, consider the following tips:
- Focus on Skill Development: Continuously improve specific skills that can set you apart, such as base running or defensive plays.
- Stay Versatile: Being adaptable to play multiple positions can enhance your value to a team.
- Build Relationships: Foster connections with teammates and coaches; teamwork is crucial in any sport.
- Embrace Opportunities: Be ready to step up when your number is called, even if it’s in a limited capacity.
First-Hand Experience: Stories from Fringe Players
Many players have shared their journeys, reflecting on the challenges faced and the lessons learned along the way.
Interview with a Former Fringe Player
In a recent interview, former MLB player Jake Jones (name changed for privacy) shared insights from his journey:
“Being a fringe player means you have to embrace every moment, whether it’s in the starting lineup or sitting on the bench. When you’re called upon, it’s your opportunity to shine. I remember the adrenaline rush during the World Series; it was surreal. The feeling of receiving that championship ring was indescribable, knowing all the hard work had paid off.”
The Journey to the Championship Ring
The path to earning a championship ring is filled with ups and downs, from minor league stints to unexpected call-ups. For fringe players, the journey is often more than just chasing a ring; it’s about passion for the game and the bonds formed along the way. The experience teaches resilience, teamwork, and the significance of every player’s role in achieving a common goal.
Table: Championship Rings by Team
| Team | Championship Rings | Notable Fringe Players |
|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | 27 | David Wells, Jim Leyritz |
| Boston Red Sox | 9 | David Ross, Mike Napoli |
| San Francisco Giants | 8 | Marco Scutaro, Eduardo Núñez |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 11 | David Freese, Allen Craig |
The Cultural Impact of Championship Rings
Beyond the game, championship rings resonate with fans and communities, symbolizing collective effort and achievement. They serve as reminders of unforgettable moments and the stories of those who contributed to success, including fringe players who play crucial roles in the narrative of triumph.
Conclusion
Championship rings represent more than just victories; they signify the stories, struggles, and contributions of every player involved. As fans and aspiring athletes look to the World Series, the journeys of fringe players remind us all that every role is vital in the quest for glory.
