1986 was Cal Ripken Jr’s fifth full season in the Majors and he continued to establish himself as one of the premier shortstops in the game. At 6’4”, Ripken wasn’t the prototypical shortstop, but his height and quick feet began to build a new prototype shortstop that would see bigger/taller players like Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter dominate the scene. Ripken would finish the season with 25 home runs and 81 RBI, while batting a solid .282. This offered Rawlings PRO 6-HF model glove was used by Ripken during the 1986 season. This glove displays outstanding game use with substantial wear being shown on the pocket, web face and throughout the body of the glove. The tips of the fingers display moderate scuffed as would be expected from Ripken playing shortstop in every game of the 1986 season. On the back of the pinky finger is “RIPKEN”, which has been handwritten in black marker.

The glove was constructed of Rawlings top grade “Heart of the Hide” tanned steer hid and is bound with tanned rawhide laces. The web is a pro-style single post double T-bar with a conventional back and an adjustable fleece-lined wrist strap. The Rawlings red label with white embroidered lettering has been covered with a Rawlings Japanese label and an embroidered logo at the base of the web. The Rawlings “R” logo is on the outer thumb. The year code on the glove is KBL01 that indicates this glove was manufactured in 1986. This glove has been signed by Ripken in black marker on the outer middle finger and “1986 Regular Season”, “Japan ALL STAR TOUR” and “1987 Pizza Hut All Star game” is in faded black marker on the outer index fingertip. This comes directly from the personal collection of Cal Ripken, Jr and a signed LOA from Cal will accompany this glove. Additionally, there is a LOA from PSA/DNA (1G00698) for the game use.

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