Best-In-Class
1995 Cal Ripken, Jr. Autographed Game-Used Bat from 1st At-Bat of "2,131" Game PSA/DNA GU 10.. ...
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Description
1995 Cal Ripken, Jr. Autographed Game-Used Bat from 1st At-Bat of "2,131" Game PSA/DNA GU 10.
Best-In-Class Expert Analysis/Summary:
The phrase "records are meant to be broken" often applies in sports. As time passes, it is often inevitable that someone will come along and surpass the previous athlete's unprecedented achievement. That said, it is doubtful another player will ever come close to breaking this one, as the approach to the game has changed so dramatically in recent times regarding scheduled rest and load management. Lou Gehrig's "2,130" streak remained untouched for decades until Cal Ripken, Jr. reached "2,131" on September 6, 1995. Baseball's Iron Man passed the Iron Horse. Ripken would continue the streak until it reached 2,632, but it was on this night, one filled with top-notch pageantry that fans will never forget.
This bat, used for Ripken's first plate appearance that magical evening, is a tangible symbol of the record-setting event. When Ripken walked to the plate, the standing ovation was deafening. Even though he failed to reach base during that at-bat, it was a special moment during an event overflowing with them. The record technically became official once they reached the bottom of the fifth inning, and the game itself became official, but this was the first time during the action when Ripken stood alone at home plate to tip his cap in front of the sold-out crowd.
The bat has been documented in a few different ways. Ripken inscribed the bat "First AB 2131 9-6-95" in silver on the barrel's sweet spot. In addition, Ripken added white tape on the right barrel with the notation "1 Bat 9-6-95." Ripken was known for labeling his bats in this manner during a large portion of his career. Furthermore, a letter of provenance signed by Ripken accompanies the bat. Finally, to ensure each artifact was identified and stored correctly as the game unfolded, the Baltimore PD added a tag, which reads, in part, "Game 2131 - 1st At Bat, 2nd inning pop up - Cal Ripken." The degree of documentation and magnitude of the moment place this bat in elite company.