Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. is auctioning off some memorabilia from the highest points of his career, including his record-breaking 2,131st consecutive game, to benefit the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.
“Over the last year I have had the chance to explore my collection and it amazed me how many unique items I was able to compile throughout my career” Ripken said in a statement. “With the celebration of the 25th anniversary of 2131 still fresh in my mind, I thought this would be a great time to share some of them with other collectors and lovers of baseball. It will also raise funds for our work with kids under the foundation named for my Dad.”
Among the items that are garnering the most interest through Goldin Auctions are Ripken’s uniform worn for his major league debut, and a game-used signed bat from his first at-bat of the 2,131 game.
There’s also jerseys and memorabilia from the final game of the streak, and the first Orioles lineup card that doesn’t feature Ripken as a starter the following day.
Additionally, the auction lot features the signed bat, ball and uniform from when Ripken hit his 400th career home run.
For more information and to bid through Oct. 31, visit GoldinAuctions.com.
Alberto given Oriole Way Award
The honors keep coming in for Orioles infielder Hanser Alberto, who Tuesday night was awarded the Oriole Advocates' Oriole Way Award for his contributions on and off the field and desire to serve the community.
Presented in a virtual ceremony, Alberto joins recent winners Mychal Givens, Buck Showalter, Darren O’Day and Adam Jones in being honored with the award that highlights those Orioles players who try to make an impact both where they call home and where the club does.
Alberto is also the club’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the player who exemplifies character and philanthropy, for his work both in Baltimore and in his native Dominican Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hanser has shown what it means to be a Baltimore Oriole, and what it means to give back to the community,” Oriole Advocates president Mike Licea said during the ceremony.