It was a record that many thought would never be broken – Iron Man Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 consecutive games played. However, as the Hall of Fame career of Cal Ripken, Jr. progressed, it became evident that Gehrig’s streak would be broken. We’re it not for the Players’ Strike in August of 1994 that wiped out the remainder of the season and post-season, plus the ensuing Owner’s Lockout to start the 1995 season, Ripken would have broken Gehrig’s record much sooner.

On September 6, 1995 at Baltimore’s Camden Yards, Ripken officially broke Gehrig’s record when he suited up for his 2,131st consecutive game as the Orioles defeated the California Angels 4-2. Offered here is one of the baseballs used during this historic event. This Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball displays outstanding game use with numerous stains and also features a commemorative “RIPKEN 2130 8 2131 ORIOLES” stamp. These baseballs were only produced for the two games in which he tied and surpassed Gehrig. Ripken has signed his name in blue pen across the sweet spot, and the four umpires of the game have also signed their names and inscribed their umpire numbers in black pen. Al Clark (inscribed “AL Ump #20) and Dan Morrison (inscribed “A.L. Umpire #34) have signed their names on the north panel, while umpires Larry Barnett (inscribed “A.L. #22) and Greg Kosc (inscribed “A.L. #18”) have penned their names on the south panel. This historic baseball comes with a LOA from umpire Dan Morrison on American League of Professional Baseball Clubs letterhead and a COA from SGC (AU48145).

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