This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2022
Offered here is a Louisville Slugger P72 model bat, graded GU 10, coming directly from the personal collection of Hall of Famer and baseball’s Ironman Cal Ripken, Jr.. The model bat was used for the first at-bat of the 1996 MLB season. Ripken has marked this bat on the barrel with a piece of athletic tape and labeled it “Opening Day 1st AB Appier Single 96”, which was the 1st inning at-bat when Ripken hit a 2-RBI single off of Kansas City Royals ace Kevin Appier in the April 2nd, 1996 game at Camden Yards. This bat displays excellent game use with a very slight crack on the handle. There are ball marks, stitch impressions, blue ink transfers and white leather scuffs that are present on the barrel. Ripken’s number “8” is handwritten in orange marker on the knob. The item is to include a Letter of Authenticity from Cal Ripken Jr. as well as a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.