1916 Boston Red Sox Championship Pocket Watch gifted to Babe Ruth's roommate, Dick Holblitzell. The Boston Red Sox won three championships from 1915-18. These teams were led by a young Babe Ruth. In 1916, the team went 91-63 and beat the Brooklyn Robins in the World Series. World Series Championship rings were not produced before 1922 and were not the accepted commemorative jewelry until 1926. Prior to that time, team members were usually given watches and fobs. This 1916 Red Sox Championship watch was produced by Gruen and features "very thin" design and roman numerals on face. The back features "1916 World's Champions" in a circle surrounding a baseball diamond. Inside the back case reads "R.C Hoblitzell Gruenn 14K." Minor scratching and age wear is present and the watch runs when wound. This item comes directly from the Hoblitzell family and also in this auction is a 1915 World Champion pendant from the same estate.

Addendum: This watch was presented directly to Hoblitzell and not from Babe Ruth as mentioned in the first sentence of the catalog description.

Lelands is once again pleased to offer two great lots from the collection of Babe Ruth’s former roommate, Dick Hoblitzell. Hoblitzell started his career off with the Cincinnati Reds from 1908-14 and then closed his career out with the Boston Red Sox from 1914-1918.  During his time with the Red Sox, he roomed with Babe Ruth on the road and became a two-time World Series Champion in 1915 and 1916. In 1918, Hoblitzell started the season off batting 1-for-25 and was then replaced by his former roommate Babe Ruth! The family has saved the best for last as we gratefully offer Dick Hoblitzell’s treasured championship awards from two great Boston seasons.