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1981 Cal Ripken, Jr. Game Worn Rookie Jersey
It has been only a couple of months since this man, who has starred in two decades of sports page headlines, walked off the field for the last time, leaving a hole in the game and in our hearts that will be all but impossible to fill. He sym-bolized something far more than just athletic greatness, though it goes without saying that he was in no short supply of that. He stood as an icon of the dignity of the American Work Ethic in the game that is purely and completely American. His consecutive game streak was the embodiment of a human quality of the most admirable sort, and of a wisdom that understands that you can only win if you show up and play. Surely nobody, not even Cal himself, could have imagined what was in store for him as he suited up in this historic road grey gamer during his first year in the Majors. Predating "The Streak," the jersey shows light but definite use from a season during which he made his first timid steps toward greatness in only thirty-nine plate appearances. All of the major details, of course, are utterly familiar to even the most casual baseball fan. "Orioles 8" emblazons the chest, with "Ripken 8" on verso. A closer inspection brings the importance into focus, with tail tagging from "Rawlings [size] 44" blooming a "Set 1 1981" flag tag above another reading "2 Inch Extra Length." A very, very observant eye will catch that the nameplate on back has been team-reinforced with white thread, giving the plate a slight ripple effect. This is par-ticularly noteworthy as this same effect is visible on the 1982 Topps Traded card, leading us to believe that Cal is wear-ing this very jersey in that photo. Very detailed LOA completes one of the most impressive packages we've ever had the honor to offer.
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