Aside from the recognition and satisfaction of their athletic performance, winning the World Series brings a myriad of rewards to players. The Toronto Blue Jays are on the verge of clinching the title in Game 6 against the favored Los Angeles Dodgers. With a 3-2 lead in the series, the Blue Jays are just one victory away from claiming their first championship since 1993.
If the Blue Jays fail to secure the win on Friday, they will have another chance in Game 7 on Saturday. However, regardless of the outcome, one team will emerge victorious, hoisting the coveted trophy and claiming a significant cash bonus.
Here is an overview of the prestigious Commissioner’s Trophy, the ultimate prize in Major League Baseball.
The Prestigious Commissioner’s Trophy
Distinct from the WNBA’s Commissioner’s Cup, the Commissioner’s Trophy is the iconic symbol of victory in Major League Baseball. Crafted annually by Tiffany and Co. since 2000, the trophy features 30 flags, each representing a team in the league.
The trophy includes 24-karat gold vermeil stitching on a sterling silver ball to symbolize the baseball’s stitching, along with latitude and longitude lines representing the globe, as per Tiffany and MLB.com.
The crafting of the trophy by Tiffany takes approximately six months.
Originally awarded in 1967, the trophy obtained its name in 1985 when it was claimed by the Kansas City Royals.
Traditionally presented in the clubhouse, the trophy presentation shifted to the field in 1997 after the Florida Marlins’ victory, and it is now awarded in front of the audience irrespective of the home team’s success.
Most notably, the World Series champion receives a significant cash prize in addition to the trophy.
According to MLB.com, the World Series victor claims the largest share of the post-season revenue generated from gate receipts, with the runner-up receiving the second-highest percentage.
- 50% of gate receipts from Wild Card Series games contribute to the players