In a motivational speech given to the Orioles at the All-Star break in 1986, manager Earl Weaver berated his club for not hitting – all except Cal Ripken, Jr. To put an exclamation point on his comment, Earl added, "Do you know the kid hasn't missed an infield practice all year?” That last phrase says all you need to know about Cal and his work ethic. Although he was an All-Star and had set the AL record for assists in 1984, he never stopped honing his craft and working hard to improve himself. It is with this glove that Cal recorded 105 double plays and 482 assists in 1986. The Rawlings PRO-6-HF model fielder's glove exhibits great game use. The fingertips show scuffing as does the other exterior surfaces. The pocket is well-worn and darked from extensive use and the insides display perspiration stains. The red and gold Rawlings label has frayed along the edges but is still intact and “RIPKEN” has been handwritten in black marker on the outside pinky finger. Cal has signed the glove’s middle finger in black marker and “1986 Season Japan All Star Team” has been written on the outside of the index finger. This glove comes with a LOA from Cal Ripken, Jr. for the game use and signature and a LOA from PSA/DNA for the game use, plus a certificate from Beckett Authentication stating they witnessed Cal Ripken, Jr. signing this item.

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