Felix Hernandez and his replica Yankees World Series ring
"King Felix" Hernandez's 2000 New York Yankees World Series ring was stolen and has been recovered by police. Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you, this really happened. I know what you're thinking, "but Gwiz, King Felix wasn't on the 2000 Yankees, he wasn't even in baseball!" Of course, this is what makes the story even more outrageous! Police in Bellevue, WA nailed a burglary ring which was responsible for stealing nearly $3 million dollars worth of items from 123 homes. Hernandez was among those victimized on Nov. 1, 2016. Police say one of the burglars was wearing a watch with "King Felix" inscribed on it when they arrested him. As it turns out, Hernandez got a replica version that was given away on July 19, 2015, when he pitched at Yankee Stadium. "The King" is no different from Yankees fans who wanted the three-peat bling. By the way, if you're so inclined, the replica ring can be purchased for about $23 dollars on eBay. https://twitter.com/AlexRozierK5/status/824332643017834499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw For fun, we speculate where Hernandez might've gotten a real 2000 World Series ring if he wanted one. Scouring the roster like "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," let's go to the instant replay, shall we? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HogbPxbxfBI
Jose Canseco
The most obvious suspect among those possibly selling their rings would be Jose Canseco. A report dating back to 2005 says Canseco reportedly sold his ring for $40,000 dollars. Canseco played 37 games with the Yankees in 2000, hit one memorable mammoth home run and struck out in his lone World Series at-bat against the New York Mets. In 2014, Canseco also put his left middle finger on eBay after losing it in a shooting accident. The ring could've exchanged hands since Hernandez was only a rookie in 2005. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3hNyAByEH8
Jim Leyritz
Leyritz, whose nickname was also "King," played 24 games with the 2000 squad before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in June for Jose Vizcaino. On a website called Robert Edwards Auctions, Leyritz' ring reportedly sold for $36,000 dollars on April 28, 2016.
Felix Lopez
The estranged ex-husband of Yankees co-owner Jessica Steinbrenner, Lopez was a Yankees senior vice president from 2005-09. Lopez reportedly sold some of his rings on invaluable.com in December of 2016. Maybe the ring has "Felix" inscribed and Hernandez jumped on it.
Luis Sojo
Hernandez' fellow Venezuelan recorded the World Series-winning hit in Game 5 at Shea Stadium. Maybe he lost a winter ball bet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjiBb9yK_VI
Jeff Nelson
Nellie was teammates with Hernandez on the M's in 2005. Again, maybe a bullpen bet gone wrong?
Mel Stottlemyre
Stottlemyre was the pitching coach on those Yankees and served in the same capacity with the 2008 M's. Perhaps the former Yankees pitching ace empathized with Hernandez, being a great pitcher stuck on mediocre teams and gave him a ring as a gift?
Chris Chambliss
Chambliss was the hitting coach on those Yankees and served in the same capacity with the M's from 2011 to 2012. Like Stottlemyre, maybe Chambliss felt bad about his hitters not giving "King Felix" any run support and let him have a ring?
In the event the "King" wants a real and similar looking ring, he can become a free agent and part of the Yankee empire in 2020.