This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Cal Ripken Jr. earned a big league promotion as the International League MVP with the Rochester Red Wings in 1981. Few would have expected the young infielder to be baseball's new Iron Horse by playing in a record 2,632 consecutive games. Cal dropped a hint when the Red Wings and Pawtucket Red Sox played to a 32-inning, 2-2 tie in April that was resumed 2 months later and ended in a 33-inning Pawtucket win. Remarkably, Ripken played all 33 innings of the contest. This adjustable red cap with mesh backing was worn by Ripken during that season. Under the bill is a handwritten "5", the number worn that year by the future Hall of Famer. On the front is an upper case "R" stitched in gold tackle twill. The cap shows game wear and comes with a letter of authenticity from the Rochester clubhouse manager and a photo of Ripken wearing the hat.