Cheap Game Used - Cal Ripken Jr.
Player’s Name: Cal Ripken Jr.
Player’s Position: SS/3B
Player’s Current Team: Baltimore Orioles
Price I Paid for the Card: I bought this card on eBay for $2.00.
Set it’s from: 2008 Upper Deck
What it’s Worth: Beckett has it listed for $15.00.
Why I like this card: If you are going to have a game used collection, then you absolutely have to have a Cal Ripken Jr. game used card. I tried a few times to nab one for under $5 with no luck. Then this gem came around, and it’s bid was at 99 cents until the last hour and then started to climb. I got worried with one minute left and it was at $1.60, figuring I would get out sniped at the last second. But no one placed a bid before I did with a few seconds left and won the card. Cal Ripken was the first baseball player whoes entire career I watched unfold, so I will always have that bond to him.
Why it’s a Cheap Hit: It’s not everyday you can snag a piece of a Hall of Famer’s jersey for $2.00. Usually I don’t like to go over $2 for cards, but I made an exception for this one. I still remember back in 1985 when my friend Frank and I noticed he’s played in every game since 1982, and thought about how cool it would be if he broke the record. I remember the night that he broke it, Frank was the first one I called, both of us grown up at that point, and it’s one of the best bonding moments I’ve ever had in my life. When you wait for a decade and a half to see a guy break what was in your mind and unbreakable record. Then to share it with a friend who like you watched him for all those years. It was just a great moment. I think of that everytime I see this card.
Will if ever be worth more? Nope, there is nothing more he can do. He is already in the Hall of Fame and even has a little league named after him. What more can he do to raise the price of his card?
awesome find.