Opening Day Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2014
After spending spring training with Baltimore, Ripken was sent to AAA Rochester where he became part of minor league history when took part in the longest baseball game ever recorded, a 33 inning, three-day affair against the Pawtucket Red Sox. Cal played all 33 innings of the record-breaking game. Hitting .288 with 23 home runs, Baltimore called Ripken up to the majors in August and he never looked back. The Louisville Slugger M159 bat shows tremendous use and there is a crack in the upper handle. The barrel exhibits many ball and stitch marks as well as cleat impressions. Bat rack streaks are present. A heavy coat of pine tar coats the mid handle and Ripken's number "5" is on the knob end in faded black marker. The upper handle has been spiral taped to secure the crack. Letter of Authentication from PSA/DNA who have graded this early Ripken bat GU 8.