Volcanes News

Press Release ~ December 17, 2007

Volcanoes offer
Championship Rings to Fans !
Ring commemorates Back to Back Championships
and National Team of the Year Honor

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are offering fans the opportunity to purchase Official Northwest League Championship Rings -- the same rings that will be presented to the Volcanoes players in Spring Training. "This was a very special season, and we want our fans to have the opportunity to cherish the memories for a lifetime," said Rick Nelson, Vice President of Operations for the Volcanoes. "This team was named "National Team of the Year," and the Championship Rings certainly reflect this historic accomplishment," added Nelson. The Rings, manufactured by MTM Recognition (producers of the 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series Ring, 25 Super Bowl Rings and 6 NBA Championship Rings) feature 55 hand-set white stones surrounding a newly-designed Volcanoes script logo. Each ring will be personalized with the fans name in raised lettering on the shank (side) of the ring (see example below). The price per ring is $375. A personalized laser engraved jewelry box, custom made to hold/present the Championship Ring, can be added for an additional $45. The order deadline, to take advantage of this unique opportunity, is December 31, 2007 -- delivery will be approximately 10 weeks later.

For complete ordering information, contact Rick Nelson at 503-390-2225 ext. 3010. "This can make a fabulous last-minute Christmas Gift, and we'll be happy to include a gift card with a photograph of the ring for gift-giving," concluded Nelson.

The Volcanoes Stadium and its Pro Shop are open everyday until Christmas 8:30am to 8:00pm Monday - Friday, and 10am to 5pm on Saturday and noon to 5:00pm on Sunday. Tickets for the 2008 season are also available and make great gifts and stocking stuffers.


Comments from George Stone of MTM Recognition:

"After achieving one of the more memorable championship seasons in minor league history in 2006, it was hard to imagine how the 2007 edition of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes could compare, especially with a roster that included only one regular selected in the first 10 rounds of the draft. But out of 184 professional baseball teams at the AAA, AA, A and Rookie League levels from all 16 different Professional Baseball Leagues stretching from coast-to-coast in the United States, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes were named National "Team of the Year" by Minor League Baseball.com. The San Francisco Giants' affiliate once again finished with the best winning percentage (.750) in professional baseball en route to its second consecutive Northwest League title - the first team in the league in more than a decade to win back-to-back championships."

So for the second consecutive year, co-owners Jerry Walker and Bill Tucker were faced with the pleasant challenge of designing a championship ring that would be an appropriate symbol for another of their historic baseball teams. And for the second consecutive year, they selected MTM Recognition – the professionals who designed last year’s talked-about Northwest League Championship Ring. The first look at the 2007 ring confirms to even the most casual observer that Mr. Walker and Mr. Tucker were up to the task again. “We had complete confidence in the creativity, quality and attention to detail that MTM demonstrated after the beautiful design they produced for us last year – our only concern was how we were going to do something as nice as 2006, said Walker. But I’m pleased to say, we did."

Ring Description: "Anchoring the top and bottom bezel edge of the rectangular-shaped ring are the polished inscriptions “2007” and “Champions” with 14 brilliant square-cut white stones framing each of the remaining two sides. The shimmering border encloses a sparking field of over ½ carat worth of 41 hand-set white sparkling stones that surround a newly-designed “Volcanoes” script logo accented with hard-fired black enamel, creating a stunning black/white contrast.

One side of the ring features the familiar Volcanoes logo in black and red enamel and the history-making season record of 57-19. Above the Volcanoes logo is the NWL league logo and below the city names, “Best Winning % in Baseball” and the winning percentage of .750 – a big story told in a compact space.
The opposite side of the ring prominently features each recipient’s name boldly polished at the top and their position or number at the bottom. Centered is the logo of the parent club San Francisco Giants accented in black and white enamel with two well-earned proclamations below: “Back to Back 2006-2007” and “National Team of the Year”.

Mr. Walker and Mr. Tucker were the masterminds behind the design. Having won before, they knew it would be tough to create a ring that would stand out among the crowd.", concluded Stone. "Our goal was to create something unique that people would be proud to wear. We wanted it be classy, have some eye-catching appeal and tell our story. We believe our goal was achieved, and then some - just like we did on the baseball field this year," remarked Tucker.
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