Recently Topps made this sweet autographed game used jersey card of Cal Ripken Jr and Jackson Holliday.
The card claimed to have a game used patch of both players. Some in the hobby questioned if the Ripken swatch was game used because it features the Mitchell & Ness logo. Most MLB game jerseys were made by Majestic and other brands.
Turns out Ripken did wear a Mitchell & Ness branded jersey at least once during his career.
On April 21, 1996 the Orioles and Rangers played a turn back the clock game and wore throwback jerseys.
What's crazy is that at least three Ripken jerseys made for this game have sold over the years.
Grey Flannel Auctions sold one they claimed was "game-used" for $2,257.
Hunt Auctions sold one as well, but called it a "professional model" and not game used. It's different from the Hunt Auctions jersey because you can notice they are signed in different places.
Goldin Auctions also sold one, that shows evidence of use, such as dirt and pine tar. The jersey is unsigned.
Several things are possible. It's very likely many jerseys were made for Ripken and other players for the April 21, 1996 throwback game.
Ripken may have worn multiple jerseys during the game. When NBA player Vince Carter was sponsored by Fleer, he would change jerseys at halftime so the company had more game used material to put into trading cards.
Coming back to the 2023 Topps Dynasty card of Holliday and Ripken, it does make you wonder, what jersey of Ripken did they use, the one from Grey Flannel, Hunt or Goldin?
It's likely nobody will ever know.
In recent years, MLB and other leagues have implemented an authenticity program, where they authenticate memorabilia on site at games.
