Cal Ripken Jr. Cards and Memorabilia Guide

Cal Ripken Jr.

Date of Birth: 8/24/1960
Rookie Card Year: 1982
Investment Rating: 7.5


Overview
Cal Ripken Jr. is a player that immediately brings to mind the greatness of baseball. The "Iron Man" carries credibility with collectors who still long for the days of Ruth and DiMaggio. He's also young enough that younger collectors can appreciate what he accomplished, making Cal Ripken Jr. cards coveted by a big cross-section of fans.

While Cal Ripken Jr. cards and memorabilia sell at strong prices, there is little likelihood for significant increases as he gets older. The last big milestone was his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2007, and values should hold steady over the long-term.

Ripken only has three true rookie cards, each of which sell for reasonable amounts. As with most older rookie cards, graded versions tend to sell the most consistently with the gem mint cards going for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Another card from his rookie season, the 1982 Topps Traded Baseball #98T, is also strongly pursued by collectors but is not considered a true rookie because Ripekn was already featured in the main 1982 Topps Baseball set.

Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card Checklist

1982 Donruss #405


The 1982 Donruss Cal Ripken rookie portrays a classic close-up shot of the young star. Centering issues make extremely high-grade copies of the card somewhat difficult to find. The simple design does not detract from the card's appeal. It is one of the best Cal Ripken Jr. cards.

1982 Fleer #176


The 1982 Fleer design is even more basic. It's to the point that it is hard to distinguish as a real baseball card. Not even the brand name is present on the front. Other than the photo, the only thing on the front is a thin orange border and name plate. Of the three rookie Cal Ripken Jr. cards, this is the least desirable.

1982 Topps #21 (Cal Ripken/Bob Bonner/Jeff Schneider)


Although this card has the highest book value of the three rookie Cal Ripken Jr. cards,  the fact that he shares it with two other players who accomplished nothing hurts its overall appeal. Instead, many collectors have adopted Ripken's 1982 Topps Traded card as his most desirable, even if it's not a true rookie card.


 sports card and memorabilia auctions

1982 Donruss Cal Ripken Jr Rookie, Near Mint! BV $25! RC NM
$5.00

1982 TOPPS TRADED CAL RIPKEN JR. ROOKIE ORIOLES #98T
$100.00

*RARE* 1982 DONRUSS FACTORY SEALED 3 BOX RACK CASE 24CT BOX CAL RIPKEN ROOKIE YR
$899.99

1982 Topps Baseball Cal Ripken Rookie Card PSA 9
$79.99

1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. PSA 8 5 Available
$120.00

1982 TOPPS CAL RIPKEN JR #21 ROOKIE RC PSA 8 NM-MT
$47.00

1982 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. RC ROOKIE #21 GAI 8.0 NM-MT
$12.00

1982 Cal Ripken Jr. Rookies Fleer and Donruss Lot NRMT MT
$14.15
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Autograph Guide

Cal Ripken Jr. Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide

Below you will find an example of what Cal Ripken Jr.'s authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company.


Signed Baseball Pricing:

Average eBay Sales Price: $90
Lowest Amazon Price: $128.95

Signed Jersey Pricing

Average eBay Sales Price: $175
Lowest Amazon Price: $134.95

Signed 8x10 Photo Pricing

Average eBay Sales Price: $80
Lowest Amazon Price: $113.95


 sports card and memorabilia auctions

Cal Ripken Jr. Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr. Signed Autographed OMLB Baseball PSA DNA
$290.00

Cal Ripken Jr. Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr. Signed Autographed Orioles Jersey COA
$600.00

2004 Cal Ripken Jr Sweet Spot AUTO Bat Barrel RARE 38
$189.99

CAL RIPKEN, JR. SIGNED AUTOGRAPHED PSA DNA AUTO
$99.99

CAL RIPKEN AUTOGRAPHED AUTHENTIC MAJESTIC JERSEY PSA DNA CERT
$174.99

Cal Ripken Jr. Autograph Ball Unique
$10.49

Cal Ripken Jr. Auto 2131 Streak MLB Game Ball w Gold Foil Card
$39.99

Cal Ripken Jr. Autographed Career Summary Ball
$67.95
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 |  E-Mail Author |  http://www.cardboardconnection.com
Trey Treutel is an Ole Miss grad and a life-long fan of sports. He religiously follows the NBA and NFL as well as college basketball and football. As a kid, he collected football cards in the early to mid-90’s and basketball cards from the mid to late-90’s. Although Hurricane Katrina wiped out his entire collection, he recently picked up collecting basketball cards again on a whim and has not looked back.

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