Significant collection of items used/worn by Baltimore Orioles outfielder Mark Smith in the two games during which Cal Ripken Jr. tied and then broke Lou Gehrig's long-standing consecutive games played record in 1995. Smith was the starting left fielder in each of those games against the California Angels at Camden Yards on September 5th and September 6th, both of which resulted in Orioles victories. Each of these items originates directly from Smith, and nearly all have been inscribed and signed by Smith, attesting to their game-used provenance.
1) Game-Used Glove. This glove was used by Smith in both games on September 5th and 6th. The Mizuno "World-Win" model "MWV-710P" fielder's glove features Smith's name embroidered in black on the reverse of the pinky finger. Inscribed by Smith in black marker on the reverse of the middle finger: Game Used #2130 2131 Mark Smith 34." This is perhaps the most significant piece in the collection because Smith made an outstanding catch in Ripken's record-breaking 2,131st game, a fact noted by Cal Ripken Jr. himself, who inscribed the reverse ring finger: "Smitty, Nice Catch in the Big Game! Cal Ripken Jr. 2131." Both inscriptions and signatures grade 8/10 overall. The glove displays excellent use, with all the lacing intact.
2) Game-Used Cleats. These cleats were used by Smith in both games on September 5th and 6th. Each black Nike cleat has been inscribed by Smith in gold paint pen (grading 7/10) on the side of the heel: "Game Used 2130-2131 Mark Smith." Each size 11 cleat displays heavy use.
3) Game-Used Hat. This hat was used by Smith in the record-tying game on September 5th. The black wool hat, with Orioles logo on the front, has been inscribed by Smith in silver paint pen (grading 8/110) on the top of the brim: "Game Used 2130 Mark Smith." Smith's name and uniform number ("34") are written in black marker on the underside of the brim. The New Era cap, size "7 1/2," displays light-to-moderate wear.
4) Game-Used Batting Gloves. These gloves were used by Smith in the record-breaking game on September 6th. Each black Nike batting glove has been inscribed by Smith in silver paint pen. The inscription on the right-hand glove reads "Mark Smith 2131" (grading 5/10), while the inscription on the left-hand glove reads "Game 2131 Mark Smith (grading 8/10). Each glove features Smith's uniform number ("34") written in black marker on the white Nike "Swoosh" logo and displays heavy use.
5-6) Game-Used Batting Gloves and Wrist Band. Both the gloves and wristband were game-used by Smith during the 1995 season, but he has not inscribed either, so we do not know in which games they were worn. The white-and black Franklin gloves features Smith's uniform number in red marker on the wrist strap of the right-hand glove. Heavy use is displayed on both. The black Franklin wrist band displays light use.