CAL RIPKEN JR. - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL - HFSID 283393

CAL RIPKEN, JR.
Baseball signed by baseball Hall of Famer and consecutive game record holder Cal Ripken, Jr.
Baseball signed "Cal Ripken Jr" in blue ink. 2½-inch baseball. Rawlings Official American League baseball with Gene A. Budig facsimile signature. With Cal Ripken Jr. hologram and PSA/DNA authentication sticker (G73487). Ripken, born Calvin Edwin Ripken, Jr. in Havre de Grace, Maryland in 1960, broke Lou Gehrig's record of playing in 2,130 consecutive games in 1995, a record long considered unbeatable. In 1998, Ripken ended his streak at 2,632 when he took himself out of the line-up. A career Baltimore Oriole from 1982 to 2001, he retired after the 2001 season with a career batting average of .276, 431 home runs, 1,695 RBIs, 1983 and 1991 MVP Awards and appearances in 19 straight All-Star Games (1983-2001), and he hit 100 or more base hits in 19 out of his 21 major league seasons. Ripken was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. Interestingly, Ripken also played in the longest-ever professional baseball game, the 33-inning, 8-hour and 25-minute endurance contest between the AAA International League Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings in 1981. Ripken was with the Red Wings, who ultimately lost the game, and played all 33 innings. Lightly toned and soiled. Signature is lightly faded but legible. Adhesive residue around PSA/DNA sticker. Otherwise in fine condition.