The Stanley Cup has swagger and the Lombardi Trophy has that iconic football-on-a-tee silhouette. Major League Baseball’s crown jewel — the Commissioner’s Trophy — has had a bit of a PR journey of its own. And boy, did it take a World Series detour.
From “Piece of Metal” to Redemption Moment
Let’s rewind to 2020, shall we? MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred — the man literally in charge of protecting the legacy of the game — casually referred to the World Series trophy as “a piece of metal.” Yep. Just tossed that one out there like he was talking about a leftover wrench in the garage. Naturally, that comment landed with all the grace of a dropped fly ball in Game 7. Fans weren’t happy. Players? Even less so. Manfred? Well, he backpedaled faster than a cornerback in double coverage.
“I want to apologize for that,” Manfred said, clearly recognizing that baseball’s ultimate prize deserved better. And to be fair, he’s handed out five of them, so he knows the moment carries weight — both symbolically and, well, literally.
A Design That Reflects the Spirit of the Game
Unlike the other major league trophies, this one actually doesn’t have a long-standing, affectionately used nickname. No “Stanley,” no “Larry,” no “Lombardi.” Just “The Commissioner’s Trophy.” It was first awarded in 1967 — yep, the same year the Cardinals topped the Red Sox in a seven-game showdown. But it didn’t even get an official name until 1985. Talk about a late bloomer.
Now, don’t let the lack of a nickname fool you — this thing is gorgeous. Picture this: 30 gold-plated flags, one for each MLB team, fanning out around a gleaming silver baseball perched atop the base. The ball even has latitude and longitude lines to symbolize baseball’s global reach. It’s a piece of art — and yes, more than just “a piece of metal,” thank you very much.
Sterling Silver, Serious Craftsmanship, and One World Series Celebration
Built by Tiffany & Co. — because, of course, MLB had to go big or go home — this sterling silver beauty stands 24 inches tall, stretches 11 inches across, and tips the scales at about 30 pounds. Not exactly something you want to drop during a champagne-soaked clubhouse celebration, but hey, it happens.
Price tag? Somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000 — though if you’re hoisting it in late October, odds are you’re not thinking about the appraisal.
So while it may not have the mythos of the Stanley Cup or the myth-making backstory of the Lombardi, the Commissioner’s Trophy stands as the symbol of a 162-game grind, postseason pressure cookers, walk-off winners, and dogpiles on the mound.
And sure, it may have had a rough soundbite moment — but don’t be fooled. This trophy means everything.
