Not only did Cal Ripken, Jr. make a name for himself with his consecutive game record, but he also maintained a reputation as one of the hardest-hitting shortstops in the game. In a career lasting twenty-one years, Cal touched American League pitchers for 3,184 hits. He hit his milestone 2,500 hit on August 9, 1996 at Comiskey Park. The Orioles legend was hitless through 9 innings when he slammed a ground ball single to third base off Bill Simas. Cal would hit 684 more before he hung up his spikes for good after the 2001 season. The Louisville Slugger P72 model bat Cal used to hit the historic single shows great game use with a handle crack. The barrel is lined with ball marks that include leather ball scuffs, stitch imprints and ink transfers. The handle has a moderate coat of pine tar and the ends show dings and scuffs from contact with the ground. A white adhesive strip has been affixed to the back barrel that notes that this bat was used for number 2,500 and retired two nights later on August 11, presumably after it’s handle was cracked. To complete this museum-worthy piece, the Hall of Famer has signed the barrel in contrasting silver marker with the inscription, “Hit #2500.”  This bat comes with a LOA from Cal Ripken, Jr. and PSA/DNA (1B19672) for the game use and has been graded a perfect GU 10 by PSA/DNA, plus a certificate from Beckett Authentication stating they witnessed Cal Ripken, Jr. signing this item.

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