This lot features a rare, early career Cal Ripken Jr. 1984-85 Game Used Bat accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Cal Ripken Jr. himself. Prior to the 1984 season, Cal Ripken, Jr. signed a $1 million contract, becoming the youngest player in the history of the Orioles franchise to make that milestone amount. The All-Star shortstop was worth every penny as he hit .304 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs that year while setting an American League record with 583 assists. In 1985, Ripken would finish the season with a solid .282 average, 26 home runs, and 110 RBI while making his third straight All-Star Game selection.
Offered here is a Louisville Slugger P72 model bat used by Ripken with a labeling period of 1983 to 1984. This bat displays outstanding game use with a crack on the handle. There are ball marks, stitch impressions, blue ink transfers, and bat rack streaks present on the barrel, along with remnants of tape that were previously applied to the barrel. The lower handle has a light coating of pine tar. This bat comes directly from the personal collection of Cal Ripken, Jr., and a signed LOA from Cal will accompany this bat. Additionally, there is an LOA from PSA/DNA (1B27101) for the game use.