Ripken was arguably one of the best players during the 1980's and 1990's, if not the best. Ripken known for his consistency throughout holds the record for most consecutive games played in at 2,632 games played in, a record that will likely never be broken. Ripken accumulated 3,184 hits in his career with a .276 batting average. Ripken was a 19-time All-Star selection, won two Gold Glove awards, eight Silver Slugger awards, and two MVP awards throughout his career to mention a few. This bat dates to the 1982-83 period, during this period Ripken was named AL Rookie of the Year, 1982, and AL MVP, 1983. Additionally, Ripken led his team to the 1983 American League Pennant and eventually a World Series Championship.
Louisville Slugger factory records indicate that Ripken ordered the P72 Walker finish bat starting on June 21, 1982 and ending on September 30, 1983. During that period, Ripken ordered this model bat exclusively in the 35" length and in weights varying from 33-34 oz.
Bat exhibits heavy use with deeply embedded stitch marks present all along the barrel. Cleat marks are visible all along the back of the barrel. A 15" H-style crack appears on top of the handle, extending from near the centerbrand down the handle. A layer of old dried pine tar appears along the handle, with a fresher coating of pine tar added on top.
This bat comes directly from the collection of Jim Ksicinski, the former visitng clubhouse manager for the Milwaukee Brewers, which combined with the Ripken player characteristics accounts for the additional two points for provenance. An LOA signed by Jim Ksicinski accompanies this bat. Although Ksicinski's letter states the bat was used during 1981, the factory records support this as being ordered and used during the 1982-83 era. This bat was originally obtained from Kscinski with his letter in 1999 and has been in a private collection until now.
Bat grades out at the MEARS A9 grade with five points for the base grade, three points for heavy use, two points for provenance from Jim Ksicinski, and a one point deduction for the handle crack.
Collection of MEARS Staff.