Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2014
When Billy Ripken was called up to the Orioles midway through the '87 season it marked the first time in history two brothers played on a major league team managed by their father. This unique group brings together three 1991 Orioles road jerseys from each of the Ripken's. In 1991 Cal Sr. was the team's third base coach, Cal Jr. of course was an established superstar on his way to winning that year's AL MVP Award and Billy was in the middle of a 12 year career as a journeyman infielder. The familiar "Orioles" script appears on the front of each one in black and orange tackle twill. Trim of the same colors encircle each sleeve opening. All three have the Rawlings label present inside the left front tail and all carry the "SET 1 1991" tagging. Both Sr.'s and Billy's Rawlings labels show size is "42" while Jr.'s is "48" with added "1 Inch Extra Length" and "L" tagging. The fronts sport each Ripken's number - "7" for Sr., "8" for Jr. and "3" for Billy - in orange and black tackle twill. The backs also feature each man's number along with "RIPKEN" in black and orange tackle twill letters on a gray nameplate. It's interesting to note that all three men wore just their last name, forgoing the familiar first initial that is commonly seen when two or more players have identical last names.
The condition of all three show great game use, with wear present throughout. The tackle twill lettering shows some pulling and loose threads on each and there are several turf marks and stains but no rips or tears. In addition, Cal Jr. has signed the front of his jersey in black marker adding "AL MVP 91". A matching pair of pants named to Cal Jr. is also part of this lot. The gray road pants have the Rawlings size "35" label with his number "8" and 35-39 30 1 91" white strip tags sewn inside the waistband. A "SET 1 1991" tag is also affixed. All labeling had been crossed out with black marker when it was retired and sent to the minor leagues. The pants show tremendous game use with many pine tar and turf marks and a large area of the upper rear thigh has been repaired in the clubhouse and the pocket buttons have been removed.
An interesting feature found on Cal Sr.'s jersey is the addition of two inside chest pockets. Since the days of Jimmy Dykes in 1954, hidden cigarette pockets have been a not-so-secret addition found on the jerseys of Orioles managers. Earl Weaver, Lee Mazzilli and of course Cal Sr. continued the trend, as can be seen on this jersey!
Each one of these road jerseys were obtained in person during spring training in 1994 by collector Barry Wolfsheimer and his Letter of Provenance accompanies this unique set of familial Orioles history. This set of three jerseys were previously displayed at the Sports Legends Museum in Baltimore, in their Orioles display section (where we are holding this live auction!). Also comes with Letters of Authenticity from note sports jersey expert Dave Miedema.