October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
Going straight to pro ball from high school, Cal Ripken, Jr. quickly progressed from the Bluefield Orioles of the rookie Appalachian League all the way to the AA Charlotte O's in two summers. A sure-bet star, Ripken commenced to set the team's home run record and earned himself a trip to the big club's spring training camp in 1981. Cal's 1980 minor league-used Louisville Slugger M159 shows heavy use with a handle crack. The barrel exhibits many ball and stitch marks as well as cleat impressions. Red and blue bat rack streaks are visible and a black residue is present in some parts of the barrel. The mid and upper handle has been taped in a spiral pattern to enhance the grip and a moderate coat of pine tar has been applied. His Charlotte minor league number "16" is written on the barrel in black marker. Ripken has signed the barrel and added "Bluefield W. Va. 1978" in blue marker. Letter of Authentication from PSA/DNA grading it an 8.5.