Before Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. could break Lou Gehrig’s historic consecutive games played streak, he would have to tie him. That’s exactly what Ripken did when he suited up for the 2,130th consecutive time on September 5th, 1995 against the California Angels. This is the bat Cal Ripken, Jr. used during his fourth at-bat as the co-consecutive games record holder when he blasted a home run to deep left field, sending the Camden Yards crowd into a further frenzy. The P72 model bat shows moderate game use and is un-cracked. There are ball marks on the barrel with the center brand and barrel stamping clear and bright, the silver ink contrasting nicely against the black finish. The handle carries a moderate coat of pine tar and both ends show scuffing from contact with the ground and other equipment.

To mark the significance of this bat, a piece of white athletic tape has been affixed to the barrel on which “4th Bat 9-5-95” has been handwritten in black marker. Additionally, a pink Baltimore Police Department evidence tag has been attached to the handle. In the days before MLB Authenticated and third-party authenticators, the local police were recruited to verify the authenticity of this the bat used during the games Cal tied and broke Lou Gehrig’s record. It was only natural that the police would use a standard evidence tag, as this bat is indeed evidence of Cal Ripken’s place in baseball history. The handwritten notation describes the bat’s use during the September 5, 1995 game and has been signed by the officer who recovered it. It has been identified on the tag with “4th Bat, GAME 2130 Homerun Bat, 6th inning” and “9-5-95” markings. This historic bat comes directly from the personal collection of Cal Ripken, Jr. and a signed LOA will accompany this bat. At this time, this bat is in the same condition it was when Cal took it out of the historic 2,130 game after his home run. Because it was the intention to preserve it in the same condition it was when Cal took it out the game, the piece is unsigned. However, prior to shipping, the winning bidder will have the option of having Cal Ripken, Jr. sign this historic artifact as well as adding an inscription, along with a further option of setting up a Zoom call to witness him sign it.

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