By 1998, Hall of Famer and baseball’s Ironman Cal Ripken, Jr. had long surpassed what was considered the unbreakable record of consecutive games played streak set by Lou Gehrig. Now Ripken was on the verge of tying and passing another baseball legend in Babe Ruth. Ruth finished his storied career with 2873 hits on the all-time hits list and Ripken would tie the Bambimo during the September 16th, 1998 game against the Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

Offered here is the very bat Ripken used to tie Babe Ruth on the all-time hits list at 2,873. This Louisville Slugger P72 model bat displays outstanding game use with a slight crack on the handle. There are numerous ball marks visible on several areas of the barrel and other marks include blue ink transfers and white leather scuffs. Understanding the historical significance, Ripken identified this bat by wrapping white athletic tape around the barrel and inscribing “Babe Ruth Tying Hit 9/16/98”. Ripken also signed this bat in bold silver marker on the barrel and inscribed “Hit #2878 Ties Babe Ruth”. This historical bat comes directly from the personal collection of Cal Ripken, Jr. and a signed LOA will accompany this bat. Additionally, there is a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B24815) for the game use and has been given a very high grade of GU 9.5.