Cal Ripken, Jr. Baltimore Orioles Game-Worn, Used & Signed Rookie Era Baseball Glove (PSA/DNA GU, JSA Full LOA & Provenance LOA)

Presented is an incredible piece of baseball history that honors what the “Iron Man” Cal Ripken, Jr. represented in himself. It is one of his personal Orioles game worn ROOKIE ERA Rawlings gloves from the early to mid-1980s. Overall, it’s a perfect representation of what an everyday preferential weapon of choice would be for Ripken as it shows tremendous use.

Cal Ripken Jr. has done pretty much everything during his extraordinary 21-year career. He wasted no time when he entered the league in 1982 and won AL Rookie of the Year, won MVP in 1983 and 1991. He holds the consecutive games streak that won’t be beat in our lifetime, our children’s lifetime or even our grandkids. Having the opportunity to own one of Ripken’s game-worn gloves is unimaginable because of the personal attachment ballplayers feel toward their equipment.

This one comes with fabulous provenance and game use authentication.

According to the PSA/DNA full letter for game use:

The Cal Ripken Jr. professional model glove is a Rawlings XFG2-H model from the 1979 labeling period. It measures 12″ and has a single post/double t bar web style. It was acquired from Cal Ripken, Jr. in 1985.

The Rawlings model XFG2-H Cal Ripken, Jr. professional model glove display evidence of moderate use. Even wear can be seen in the pocket, on the web face and the back of the glove. The palm shows what we consider to be appropriate staining from perspiration as does the area just above the finger “HolDster”.

The glove is constructed of Rawlings tanned “Heart of the Hide” steer hide, bound with rawhide laces. Features include a “Deep Well” pocket, pro style single post double T-bat web and Rawlings, patented closed wrist “Fastback” design with an adjustable wrist strap. Manufacturers labeling includes a red and white silk Rawlings wrist label and circle “R” logo under the web. Ripken’s number “8” is on the top of the thumb in black felt pen and he has autographed the back of the index and middle fingers with the added personalization, “To Steve My Best.”

Comments: As evidenced by the glove’s date of manufacture, and its provenance, it’s clear gloves have a prolonged lifespan with the player. It is common for players to use gloves that are a few seasons old. In this case, Ripken’s 1985 equipment bag included this glove.

Conclusion: After a thorough examination of this Cal Ripken, Jr. professional model glove and its player use characteristics, it is our opinion the glove is authentic as described. 

Included as part of the provenance is a photocopy of where it originated from. According to the letter, the glove originated from Steve Sampson who was a visiting team batboy with the Milwaukee Brewers. He later went on to become an assistant clubhouse manager.

6/30/95:

RE: Cal Ripken, Jr. game used fielder’s glove.

This letter is to confirm that during the 1985 baseball season Cal Ripken, Jr. was switching to a new glove at the time and I asked for his old one. The glove is made by Rawlings. Model #XFG2-H. I’ve had the glove in my possession since then and the glove is in the same condition from when I received it 10 years ago. In 1985 I was a bat boy employed by the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. Primarily, I worked in the visitor’s dugout. Earlier this week when the Orioles were in town I finally had the glove autographed. It was personalized, To Steve. I guarantee to the authenticity of this glove 100%. – (Signed) Steve Sampson

In value of their of baseball camaraderie, Ripken personalized it for Sampson in blue ballpoint.

Authentication: PSA/DNA John Taube/Dennis Eskin Full Letter for Game Use,  JSA Full Letter for Autograph and copy of provenance letter.