This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2019
Here is Ripken's complete road uniform (jersey and pants) from the Baltimore legend's second A.L. MVP season. In that magical year, baseball's all-time iron man had what is arguably the finest season of his Hall of Fame career, batting .323 with thirty-four home runs, 114 runs batted in, ninety-nine runs scored, 210 hits, and forty-six doubles. Oh, and he also captured a Gold Glove award, recognizing him as the best shortstop in the league. To own a game worn complete uniform of any Hall of Famer is a feat in itself. But to have that jersey date from an actual MVP campaign is truly a coup.
The twenty-time all-star's button-down gray knit jersey has "Orioles" scripted diagonally across the chest with a singular "8" offset below and to the left. Opposite the front number appears the following NRMT signature and inscription in black sharpie: "Cal Ripken, Jr. AL MVP 1991." Meanwhile, the verso displays "Ripken" arched on a gray nameplate with a large "8" below. The letters and numbers are all sewn on in black and orange tackle twill. The inner tail is packed with a plethora of tags, including "Rawlings 48," "1 Inch Extra Length," "T," and "Set 1 1991." The accompanying trousers are tagged thusly: "Rawlings 35," "8," "35-39 30 1 91," and "Set 1 1991." The jersey shows great season-long wear, especially evident on the lettering and numbering. The pants exhibit blood stains, a magnificent 6x4" repair on the back, and another repair measuring 3.5x3" below the left knee, commensurate with Ripken's all-out style of play at the demanding shortstop position.
The uniform was obtained (along with the Cal Ripken, Sr. and Billy Ripken jerseys in this auction) at the Orioles spring training facility in Sarasota, Florida in 1994 from minor league coordinator Len Johnson. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Letter of provenance from Barry Wolfsheimer. LOA from Heritage Auctions.