Cal Ripken Jr. made his Major League debut at the end of the 1981 season, appearing in 23 games with the Baltimore Orioles before embarking on one of the most legendary careers in sports. In 1983, his second full season in the Majors, he hit .318 while leading the League in runs (121), hits (211) and doubles (47). That performance earned him American League MVP honors and pushed the Orioles to their first World Series title in 13 years. The "Iron Man" would set the MLB record by playing in 2,632 consecutive games during his impressive 21 seasons, all of which were spent in orange and black. Presented here is one of the more unique pieces from Cal's Hall of Fame career, his Orioles game-worn road jersey from the 1984 season that he also sported during the team's Tour of Japan at the end of the year. Cal batted .304 for the regular season with 27 HR and 103 runs scored. In late October '84, after missing the playoffs with an 85-77 record, the Orioles embarked on a 3-week Tour of Japan in which they competed against the top teams from the Nippon Professional Baseball league. It marked the 14th visit since World War II by barnstorming Major Leaguers. The O's went 8-5-1 on the trip, wowing Japanese fans by slugging 35 home runs in 14 games, including nine alone from Eddie Murray. They defeated the Tokyo Giants (managed by legendary home run king Sadaharu Oh) in four of five contests.
The gray button-down knit Rawlings jersey has the cursive "Orioles" across the front chest, with Cal’s number "8" front and back. An arched "RIPKEN" is sewn on a gray namplete on the back. All letters and numerals are applied in orange-on-black tackle twill. The Baltimore Orioles 30th Anniversary patch adorns the left sleeve, while the Rawlings patch is sewn on the right. The neck and both sleeve ends are lined with trim in O's colors. Behind the collar is a trip tag reading "RD209." On the inside left front tail is the size 44 Rawlings tagging complete with a "Set 1 1984" flag tag and a "3 INCH EXTRA LENGTH" strip tag. Letters and numbers come all-original, and the shirt shows solid game use. Ripken has signed the front "Used in Japan (Not Made There) Best Wishes Cal Ripken Jr 12-1-84" in 9/10 blue marker, adding a little humor with his inscription. What a rare Cal gamer with global significance, the likes of which has never before been offered publicly.
Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
PROVENANCE: Baltimore Orioles Clubhouse Collection - This is one of a collection of 12 jerseys in this auction that originate directly from the collection of a gentleman who served as the Baltimore Orioles visiting team clubhouse attendant in his youth in the early 1980’s. A dream job for any baseball loving kid, his position enabled him to serve and befriend many of the great stars of the era that passed through Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium. He was also a well-liked “gofer” for many of his hometown heroes such as Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken and Brooks Robinson. All of the game worn jerseys presented here were given to him personally by the players they represent and autographed for him personally. Prior to their offering here, these jerseys have remained in his sole possession. Needless to say, they are ideal specimens with regard to originality, usage attributes and provenance.