1997 Cal Ripken, Jr. Baltimore Orioles Game-Used & Autographed Home Jersey

Cal Ripken Jr.’s Iconic Game-Worn Jersey: A Testament to Baseball’s “Iron Man”

A Legendary Career with the Baltimore Orioles

Cal Ripken Jr., revered as one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history, dedicated his entire 20-year career to the Baltimore Orioles. Known affectionately as the “Iron Man,” Ripken’s unwavering commitment to the game is epitomized by his record-breaking streak of 2,632 consecutive games played. This remarkable achievement spanned 16 seasons, from May 30, 1982, to September 20, 1998, and solidified his legacy as a paragon of endurance and dedication.

Ripken’s 2,131st consecutive game on September 6, 1995, against the California Angels, marked a historic moment in Major League Baseball. By surpassing Lou Gehrig’s long-standing record, Ripken captivated fans worldwide, especially as he hit home runs in both his 2,130th and 2,131st games. This milestone was later celebrated as MLB’s “Most Memorable Moment” in history, further cementing Ripken’s place in the annals of baseball lore.

The Jersey: A Piece of Baseball History

This extraordinary jersey, worn by Ripken during his illustrious career, is a rare and coveted piece of baseball memorabilia. The jersey features the “RUSSELL” manufacturer’s tag on the left front tail, with wash instructions and a size “50” label. A “100% POLYESTER” flag tag and a “8-50-97” strip tag are attached below. Across the front, “ORIOLES” is emblazoned in black on orange tackle twill, while the player number “8” appears on both the front and back in contrasting colors.

• Player Name: “RIPKEN” is prominently displayed on the back in black on orange tackle twill on a white nameplate.
• Team Patches: The left sleeve bears the team “bird” patch and the “Baltimore 200” patch, while the right sleeve features the “RUSSELL” embroidered logo and the “Jackie Robinson 50 Anniversary” patch.
• Autograph: Ripken’s autograph graces the back number in silver marker, rated an 8 for its clarity and preservation.

Presented to us as game-used, this jersey exhibits signs of game use and remains unaltered, accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA.

Why This Jersey Matters

This jersey is not merely a piece of fabric; it is a tangible connection to Ripken’s indomitable spirit and his unparalleled contributions to the sport. As a first-ballot inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, Ripken’s legacy is immortalized, and this jersey serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the game.

For collectors and enthusiasts, this jersey represents an opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. It is a symbol of Ripken’s resilience and the extraordinary moments that defined his career. Explore more about our sports memorabilia auctions and discover other exceptional items in our baseball collection consignment offerings.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate fan, this jersey is a must-have addition to any baseball memorabilia appraisal collection, celebrating the legacy of one of the game’s true legends.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.