One of the more popular attractions in the MLB today are the “Turn Back The Clock Days.” Each season teams select several old-style uniforms, which are to be worn on a select number of games during the season. In 2001, the Orioles chose to bring back their 1970s V-neck orange knits, which were worn during two games, the July 18 game against Texas and the August 15 game against Kansas City. This particular example was worn by the O’s undisputed star, Cal Ripken, Jr., winding down his Hall of Fame career in what would be his last year as a player.

In the first of the two games Cal donned this jersey, which has been authenticated by Sports Investors Authentication, the Iron Man was called upon to bat in the bottom of the ninth with two outs as Baltimore trailed Texas 6-4. Ripken hit a fly ball off Jeff Zimmerman that carried into center but was caught to end the game. On the 15th of August, the O’s again wore their turn back the clock jerseys and Ripken went 1 for 3; his lone hit a solo home run in the 6th off Kris Wilson.

The double-knit orange jersey has the “Orioles” script across the chest and Ripken’s number “8” below in black and white tackle twill. The V-neck and sleeves are trimmed in black, white and orange ribbing. The lower left front tail has the Cooperstown Collection label with a white strip tag with “7-18-01.” The collar has the Mitchell & Ness label with a size 3XL hangtag affixed. Sports Investors Authentication notes in their LOA that the large size of this jersey has been found in other explars as an indication that the jerseys were made larger for the players, including Cal Ripken. The back of the jersey has “RIPKEN” in black tackle twill letters above his number “8” in black and white tackle twill. The jersey is in very good condition with the expected wear of two games present, including a large turf stain across the chest. To complete this jersey, Cal has signed the front in bold black marker with the inscription, “My Shirt From My Final Season 8-15-01.” A superb Ripken gamer in a style worn only twice during his career. The jersey comes with an LOA from Sports Investors Authentication (201129A2), who have authenticated this jersey to the July 18th and August 15th, 2001 games and a LOA from JSA for the signature and inscription.